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AN AUTHENTIC HISTORY 

OF THE 

DOUGLASS MONUMENT 

Biographical Facts and Incidents 

IN THE 

Life of Frederick Douglass 



his Death at anacosta, d. C, and funeral at Washington, 
d. C, and Rochester, n. Y., 

, TOGETHER WITH 

PORTRAITS AND ILLUSTRATIONS OF IMPORTANT INCIDENTS OF THE 
FOUR YEARS' STRUGGLE TO COMPLETE THE WORK. 



By J. W. THOMPSON. 



"Patriots have toiled, and in their country's cause bled nobly; 
and their deeds, as they deserve, receive proud recompense". 



ROCHESTER. N. Y. 

Rochester Herald Press 

1903- 



'.4-^ 



THE LIBRARY OF 
CONCiRESS, 

Two Copies Received 

JUN 12 1903 

Copyright Entry 

CLASS 11 «- XXc. No 

lr> / "uf- b 
COPY B. 



Copyright, 1903, 
J. W. THOMPSON 



INTRODUCTION. 



At the request of friends, the author has consented to give 
an authentic history of the Douglass monument at Roches- 
ter, ]ST. Y., unveiled June 9, 1899, together with a short 
biographical sketch of facts and incidents in the life of Fred- 
crick Douglass, his death and funeral at Washington, D. C, 
the arrival of his remains and funeral at Rochester, N. Y., 
and many interesting facts with which the public are not yet 
acquainted. 

This little volume will doubtless be read by all with keen 
interest and will be a valuable addition to the history of 
1'rederick Douglass and his country, it being the first monu- 
ment erected by popular contribution, to the memory of an 
Afro-American statesman, and carried on to completion by 
one of his own race. Its history will be an inspiration for 
generations to come, inciting American manhood to love of 
country and unconquerable devotion to the great cause of lib- 
erty and justice to all mankind as such was the lesson taught 
in the "North Star," which paper was established in Roch- 
ester during the vear of 1847. 

THE AUTHOR. 

Rochester, 1ST. Y. 



Chapter 

I. 

II. 

III. 

IV. 

V. 

VI. 

VII. 

VIII. 

IX. 

X. 

XI. 

XII. 

XIII. 

XIV. 

XV. 

XVI. 

XVII. 

XVIII. 



CONTENTS. 

Page 

Biographical Facts and Incidents in the Life of Douglass. . . 7 

Death of the Great Ex Slave Statesman 14 

Elaborate Preparations for the Funeral by Rochester's Com- 
mon Council 21 

Funeral Ceremonies at Central Presbyterian Church 28 

Resolutions Adopted by Various Official Bodies 35 

Origin and Progress of the Movement to Erect a Monument. 39 

Selection of a Site for the Monument at Rochester, N. Y. . . 47 

Masonic Exercises at the Laying of the Corner Stone 53 

Correspondence Between Mr. Thompson and the Haytien 

Government 62 

Musical and Literary Entertainment and Douglass Birthday 

Exercises 7 1 

Unveiling Exercises and Disappointment at Non-Arrival of 

Statue 8r 

The Date Selected and Arrangements Completed 113 

The Unveiling Ceremonies at Douglass Park 120 

Descriptive and Interesting Facts and Letters 156 

How Douglass was Regarded by the Rochester Press 167 

How Governor Roosevelt was Entertained in Rochester. . . 180 

Comment on Douglass' Life by the American Press 191 

How the National Afro-American Council was Formed 196 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Jno. W. Thompson Frontispiece 

Frederick Douglass 16 

The Douglass Monument 32 

Hon. George A. Benton 48 

Hon. John Van Voorhis 5° 

Scene at the Corner Stone Laying 64 

Enoch R. Spaulding 80 

Benjamin Myers 9° 

Col. Nathan P. Pond 112 

Scene at the Unveiling 1 20 

Hon. Theodore Roosevelt 128 

Miss Gertrude A. Thompson 144 

Hon. William A. Sutherland 152 

Charles R. Douglass 160 

Mrs. R. Jerome Jeffrey 176 

Medal Presented to J. W, Thompson 192 



HISTORY OF THE 

DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 



CHAPTER I. 



BIOGRAPHICAL FACTS AND INCIDENTS IN THE 
LIFE OF DOUGLASS. 

Frederick Douglass was born in Tuckahoe, Talbot county, 
eastern shore, Maryland, in February, 1817. His mother's 
name was Harriet. She was a slave owned by Colonel Ed~ 
ward Lloyd, a wealthy planter. Few slaves knew anything 
of their fathers and Douglass was one of this kind. Whis- 
perings among the slaves, however, led to the belief that the 
master was also the father. 

Until seven years of age Douglass was reared by his grand- 
mother, then he was sent to the plantation home where he 
witnessed scenes of most atrocious cruelty and barbarity, 
even murder. At the age of ten he was sent to Baltimore to 
live with a relative of his master. There he learned to read 
and w r rite. And while there the first seeds of freedom were 
sown. Unlike other slaves he was allowed to hire himself 
out and keep what money he earned during his leisure time. 
He entered the employ of a shipbuilder at $3 a week. 

Long had he cherished the resolve that one day he should 
be free. It was his dream by night and his chief thought by 
day. Many limes he attempted to escape but obstacles hin- 
dered. Persistence won the victory and on September 3, 
1838, he eluded his master and lied to Philadelphia. Thence 



8 HISTORY OF THE 

to New York and from there to New Bedford, Mass., where 
he married his first wife, Anna Murray, and lived for two or 
three years supporting himself by day labor on the docks and 
in the workshops. 

While there he changed his name from Lloyd to Bailey and 
later to Douglass. He was aided in his efforts for self educa- 
tion by William Lloyd Garrison. 

The starting point in Douglass' career as a national char- 
acter was in the summer of 1841 when he attended an anti- 
slavery convention iu Nantucket. There he made a fiery 
abolition speech which set the entire North agog. Press, 
clubs, societies and churches took up the slogan, and every- 
where Douglass was in demand as a platform speaker. 

Abolitionists offered him the agency, of the Massachusetts 
anti-slavery society. Acting in this capacity he toured the 
New England states and for years his eloquent voice rang 
cut in appeal from a thousand platforms for the emancipa- 
tion of the colored man. 

Thence he went to Europe in 1845 and lectured on slavery 
to enthusiastic audiences. 

Douglass touched England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales 
and vividly pictured the misery of Ithe American negro 
Great men of letters, wealth and political prominence enlist- 
ed in his aid. Thousands of petitions were sent to the presi- 
dent supplementing the plea of the orator. 

Up until this time Douglass was still a human chattel. 
He was the recognized lawful property of Colonel Lloyd. 
He might be captured and again reduced to bondage. 
Friends in England feared the contingency and $750 was 
soon subscribed to have him manumitted in due form of law. 
That was one year after he sailed abroad, yet he remained 
there another year before returning home. 

Upon his return to this country in 1847, Douglass came 
to "Rochester and began the publication of the "North Star" 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 9 

which was later changed to "Frederick Douglass Paper," a 
weekly journal. Regarding this venture, Douglass, in an au 
tobiography written by himself in 1855, says: 

"Intimation of my purpose reached my friends in Boston, 
and I was prepared to find them heartily opposed to it. Some 
went further. * * * I can easily pardon those who have 
denounced me as ambitious and presumptions in view of my 
persistence in this enterprise. I was but [nine years from 
slavery. In point of mental experience I was but nine years 
old. That one in such circumstances should aspire to estab- 
lish a printing press among an educated people might well 
be considered, if not ambitious, quite silly. My American 
friends looked at me with astonishment ! 'A woodsawyer 
offering himself to the public as an editor. A slave brought 
up in the very depths of ignorance assuming to instruct the 
highly civilized people of the North in the principles of lib- 
erty, justice and humanity ! The thing looked absurd ! 
Nevertheless I persevered." 

History records the famous John Brown raid in 1859 at 
Harpers' Ferry. Douglass was implicated in it by some. 
Governor Wise of Virginia believed it and he made a requi- 
sition upon the governor of Michigan for the arrest of Doug- 
lass. Such exchanges of courtesies between governors was 
common and a search was made for Douglass, who was 
thought to be in Detroit. But he was spirited away in the 
night and off into Canada, whence he escaped to England. 

After the bubble of excitement had burst he returned to 
this country, coming to Rochester, N. Y. He resurrected 
the "North Star," and soon his vigorous pen lashed the slave- 
holders of the south. Shortly thereafter the civil war broke 
out. 

Then Douglass urged upon President Lincoln the employ- 
ment of colored troops and the proclamation of emancipa- 
tion. For two years the president hesitated, but in 1863 he 



-| HISTORY < >F THE 

gave permission to enlist such troops. Douglass set to work 
and enlisted many negroes, especially filling the 54th and 
55th Massachusetts regiments with them. Throughout the 
war he was a warm supporter of the martyr president, Abra- 
ham Lincoln. 

After the white-winged dove of peace bad spread her 
wings over the land, Douglass discontinued his paper. He 
applied himself to the preparation and delivery of lectures 
before Lyceums. Bui he again picked up the pea in 1870, 
when he became editor of the "New National Era," in 
Washington, which was continued by bis sous, Lewis and 
Frederick, J r. 

Now, Douglass' star shone in another firmament. He en- 
tered the field of polities. He was appointed assistanl secre- 
tary to the commission to Santo Domingo. A year later 
he was appointed, by Presidenl Grant, one of the territorial 
council of the District of Columbia. In 1872 he was elected 
the presidential elector at huge from New York state. He 
was chosen to carry the electoral vote to Washington, some- 
thing never before done in the history of the United States. 

Four years later he was appointed United States marshal 
for the District of Columbia by President Hayes, which 
office he retained until 1881, after which he became recorder 
of deeds in the district. In f 886 he was removed by Presi- 
dent, Cleveland. 

Yearning to again visit the friends he had made in Eng- 
land, Douglass set sail. He remained a year abroad and was 
royally received by the hoi polloi and nobility alike. 

As a litterateur Douglass was unique and original and had 
the gift of a forceful, sententious pen. His published works 
are entitled: "Narrative of My Experience in Slavery," 
(Boston, 1844), "My Bondage and \1\ Freedom" (Roches 
ter, 1855), "Life and Times of Frederick Douglass" (Hart- 
ford, 1885). 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. ^1 

During the nine years following Douglass was much on 
the public platform. He became a strong advocate of equal 
suffrage for women. Elizabeth Cadj Stanton and Susan B. 
Anthony were great friends of Douglass. 

TITLE DEED OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS. 

The reader will be gratified to see the title deeds of trans- 
fer and emancipation, by which this man is proved to have 
been once a chattel, and subsequently to have obtained pos- 
session of himself. We reprint from an English publication, 
entitled "Monthly Illustrations of American Slavery" : 

"Know all men by these Presents, That I, Thomas Auld, 
of Talbot county, and State of Maryland, for and in consid- 
eration of the sum of one hundred dollars current money to 
me in hand paid by Hugh Auld, of the city of Baltimore, in 
the said State, at and before the sealing and delivery of these 
presents, the receipt whereof, I, the said Thomas Auld, do 
hereby acknowledge, have granted, bargained, and sold, and 
by these presents do grant, bargain, and sell unto the said 
Hugh Auld, his executors, administrators, and assigns, one 
negro man, by the name of Frederick Baily, or Douglass, as 
he calls himself, — he is now about 28 years of age, — to have 
and to hold the said negro man for life. And I, the said 
Thomas Auld, for myself, my heirs, executors, and adminis- 
trators, all and singular, the said Frederick Baily, alias Doug- 
lass, unto the said Hugh Auld, his executors, administrators 
and assigns, against me, the said Thomas Auld, my executors 
and administrators, and against all and every other person 
or persons whatsoever, shall and will warrant and forever de- 
fend by these presents. In witness whereof, I set my hand 
and seal, this thirteenth day of November, eighteen hundred 
and forty-six. "THOMAS AULD. 

"Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of 

"Wrighton Jones, 
"John C. Leas." 



12 HISTORY OF THE 

The authenticity of this Bill of Sale is attested by N. Har- 
rington, "a Justice of the Peace of the State of Maryland, 
and for the county of Talbot;" dated same day as above. 

"To all whom it may concern: Be it known, that I, Hugh 
Auld, of the city of Baltimore, in Baltimore county, in the 
State of Maryland, for divers good causes and considerations, 
me thereunto moving, have released from Slavery, liberated, 
manumitted, and set free, and by these presents do hereby 
release from Slavery, liberate, manumit, and set free, my 
negro man, named Frederick Baily, otherwise called Fred- 
erick Douglass, being of the age of 28 years, or thereabouts, 
and able to work and gain a sufficient livelihood and mainien- 
ance; and him the said negro man, named Frederick Baily, 
otherwise called Frederick Douglass, I do declare to be hence- 
forth free, manumitted, and discharged from all manner of 
servitude to me, my executors or administrators forever. 

"In witness whereof, T the said Hugh Auld, have here- 
unto set my hand and seal, the fifth of December, in the 
year one thousand eight hundred and forty-six. 

"HUGH AULD. 

"Sealed and delivered in presence of: 

"T. Hanson Belt, 
"James K S. T. Wright." 
The attestation of this Deed of Manumission is signed by 
T. Hanson Belt, a "Justice of the Peace of the State of 
Maryland, in and for the city of Baltimore," dated "on the 
day and year aforesaid." 

jSTote — 'Some time previous to the date of his legal free- 
dom, it appears that Frederick Douglass had been trans- 
ferred, as a little token of fraternal affection, from one 
brother to the other. But before Hugh Auld could lawfully 
execute a deed for F. D.'s manumission, it became necessary 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. ^3 

that he should show how he had obtained him. Hence the 
"Bill of Sale," already quoted. 

As the phrase, "for divers good causes and considerations, 
me thereunto moving," may appear to some a little mysteri- 
ous, the following is annexed by way of explanation: 

"Baltimore, December 12, 1846. Received from 

, of , by the hands of , 

the sum of seven hundred and eleven dollars and ninety-six 
cents, in full of the consideration of a certain Deed of Man- 
umission of a negro man known by the name of Frederick 
Baily, otherwise Douglass, formerly my slave for life, bear- 
ing date on the fifth of December, eighteen hundred and 
forty-six. 



CHAPTER II. 

DEATH OF THE GREAT EX-SLAVE STATESMAN. 

Frederick Douglass, the great ex-slave statesman, died 
suddenly February 20, 1895, at his home on Anacostia 
Heights, D. C, aged 78 years. 

Mr. Douglass had been about the city of Washington a 
greater part of the day, and was in the best of spirits. In 
the morning Mr. Douglass was driven to Washington, ac 
companied by his wife, Helen Douglass. 

She left him at the congressional library, and lie continued 
to Mezerott Hall, where he attended the sessions of the 
Women's Council, returning to Cedar Hill, his residence, 
between 5 and 6 o'clock. 

After dinner he had a chat in the hallway with his wife 
about the doings of the council. He grew very enthusiastic 
in his exclamations regarding one of the events of the day 
when he fell upon his knees with his hands clasped. 

Mrs. Douglass, thinking this was part of his description, 
was not alarmed, but as she looked he sank lower and lower, 
and finally lay stretched upon the floor, breathing his last. 

Realizing that he was ill, she raised his head, and then 
understood that he was dying. She was ah me in the house, 
and rushed to the front door with cries for help. 

Some men who were near by quickly responded and at- 
tempted to restore the dying man. One of them called Dr. 
J. Stewart Harrison, and, while he was injecting a restora- 
tive into the patient's arm, Mr. Douglass passed away, seem 
ingly without pain. 

Mr. Douglass had lived for some time at Cedar Hill with 
his wife and one servant. 

He has two sons and a daughter, the children of his first 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 15 

wife, living- in Washington. They are Louis H. and Charles 
R. Douglass and Mrs. rT. Douglass Sprague. 

Mr. Douglass was to have delivered a lecture that night 
at Hillsdale African Church, near his home, and was waiting 
for a carriage when talking to his wife. The carriage ar- 
rived just as he died. 

Mrs. Douglass said her husband had apparently been in 
the best of health lately, and had showed unusual vigor for 
one of his years. 

The news of the death of Mr. Douglass reached the Na- 
tional Council of Women during the evening session. 

Mrs. May Wright Sewall, the president of the council, 
announced it to the audience as follows: 

"A report as unwelcome as sad and solemn has come to us 
of the sudden and most unexpected death of Frederick 
Douglass. 

"The news cannot be received with silence by the council. 
That historic figure which individually and intellectually 
was the symbol of the wonderful transition through which 
this generation has lived, has been with us in our council 
during both of our sessions to day. 

"When he arrived an escort was directed to conduct him 
to the platform. We felt that the platform was honored by 
his presence. T am sure there was no divided sentiment on 
this subject although we have here women whose families 
are related to all political parties of our country, and con- 
nected by ancestry with both sides of the great question. 

"It is surely to be regarded as a historic coincidence Iha^ 
this man, who embodied a century of struggle between free 
doni and oppression, spent his last, hours a witness of the 
united efforts of those who have come from so many different 
places and along such various avenues to formulate sonic 
plan for a new expression of freedom in the relation of worn 
an to the world, to society, and to the State." 



1Q HISTORY OF THE 

Mr. Douglass was a regularly enrolled member of the Na- 
tional Woman's Suffrage Association and has always attend- 
ed its conventions. 

It was probably with a view to consistency in this respect 
that he appeared at Metzerott Hall. 

Although it was a secret business session of the council, 
Mr. Douglass was allowed to remain, and when the meeting 
had been called to order by Mrs. May Wright Sewall, the 
president of the council, she appointed Miss Susan B. An- 
thony and Eev. Anna H. Shaw a committee to escort him to 
the platform. 

Mrs. Sewall presented Mr. Douglass to the council, and 
contenting himself with a bow in response to the applause 
that greeted the announcement, he took a seat beside Miss 
Anthony, his life-long friend. When Miss Anthony heard 
of Mr. Douglass' death at the evening session of the council, 
she was very much affected. 

Miss Anthony and Mr. Douglass formed an intimate 
friendship when both resided in Rochester, ~N. Y., and that 
friendship has continued for many decades. 

One incident in connection with their relations was re- 
called by Miss Anthony. During the early days of the anti- 
slavery agitation. Miss Anthony and her venerable associate, 
Elizabeth Cady Stanton, appeared at an anti-slavery meet- 
ing where Frederick Douglass was taking a prominent part. 

Women were not welcome as public speakers in those 
days, and Mr. Douglass had agreed to read an address pre- 
pared by Mrs. Stanton. His rendition of her written re- 
marks did not suit that lady, and, stepping forward, she took 
the paper from his hands with the remark: 

"Here, Frederick, let me read it." And she did so, thus 
marking the initiative in the appearance of women as actors 
in public gatherings. 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 17 

LAST RITES IN WASHINGTON, D. C. 

The remains of Frederick Douglass were conveyed early 
in the morning of February 25th to the Metropolitan Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, there to lie in state until the funeral 
services in the afternoon. Before the removal from Cedar 
Hill, Anacostia, Mr. Douglass' late residence, brief services 
for the immediate relatives were conducted by the Rev. 
Hugh R. Stevenson, of the Anacostia Baptist Church. The 
service consisted simply of a prayer and the reading of the 
Scriptures. 

The body was then conveyed to the church which was 
beautifully decorated with flowers. 

As the time for the services approached the crowd in the 
street increased to such proportions that passage was almost 
impossible, and early the church was well filled with those 
admitted by special card, general admission being denied un- 
til after the beginning of the services. Delegations of rep- 
resentative colored men and women were present from New 
York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Annapolis, the Baltimore 
delegation, more than 100 strong, being headed by Bishop 
Wayland. The body of the great f reedman resting in a plain 
but massive oak casket, was placed in front of the altar 
guarded by an officer in uniform from the General Russell 
A. Alger Camp, 25, G. A. R. 

A simple bunch of lilies decorated the casket but about 
the altar and the pulpit was banked a wonderful profusion 
of flowers in appropriate designs. Among the floral tributes 
besides the beautiful set pieces sent by the Haytien Govern- 
ment, was a cross by Capt. B. F. Auld, of Baltimore, a son of 
Mr. Douglass' former master. Flowers were also sent by 
the scholars of many of the schools for colored children in 
the district. 

The services were somewhat delayed, and it was after 2" 
o'clock when the funeral procession filed into the church.. 



]_S HISTORY OF THE 

Among the guests of special honor were: Justice Harlin, of 
the Supreme Court, Senators Sherman and Hoar and a num- 
ber of members of the House of Representatives. There was 
also a large delegation from the Woman's Council. The fac- 
ulty of Howard University attended in a body. 

The funeral services which began at 3 o'clock, were con- 
ducted by Rev. J. G. Jenifer, D. D., pastor. Bishops Turner 
and Wayman took part, and John W. Hutchinson, the last 
of the famous Hutchinson family of abolition singers and a 
life-long friend of the deceased, sang a solo. The sermon 
was preached by Dr. Jenifer, and brief eulogistic remarks 
were made by Rev. Dr. Rankin, President of Howard Uni- 
versity; Rev. Hugh T. Stevenson, of Anacostia Baptist 
Church, and Rev. Dr. J. F. Grimke. 

The honorary pall bearers were ex-Senator B. K. Bruce, 
W. H. A. Wormley, Hon. John R. Lynch, John F. Cook, E. 
C. Messer, P. B. S. Pinchbeck, Dr. C. B. Purvis, Leonard C. 
Bailey, John H. Brooks, J. H. Meriweather, Dr. John R. 
Francis, F. J. Barbadoes, Capt. D. L. Pitcher, B. E. Messer 
and Congressman George W. Murray. 

Speaking as the long time pastor of Mr. Douglass, Dr. Jen- 
ifer said: "Mr. Douglass was a Christian. He broke with 
the American Church and with the Christian dogma when 
he said that it sanctioned and sustained the enslavement and 
bondage of a brother. He held Christ to be above creed and 
above the church. In this terrific soul conflict he blundered 
into bewilderment, but his deliverance came and he has often 
spoken to me of the joy of his soul in God." 

During the services, a letter from Elizabeth Cady Stanton 
was read which, after reviewing her first meeting with 
Douglass, closed as follows: "As an orator, writer and editor, 
Douglass holds an honored place among the gifted men of 
his day. As a man of business and a public officer he has 
been pre-eminently successful; honest and upright in all his 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 



19 



dealings, he bears an enviable reputation. As a husband, 
father, neighbor and friend — in all social relations — he has 
been faithful and steadfast to the end. He was the only man 
I ever knew who understood the degradation of the disfran- 
chisement of women. Through all the long years of our 
struggle he has been a familiar figure on our platform with 
always an inspiring word to say. In the very first convention 
he helped me to carry the resolution I had penned, demand- 
ing woman suffrage. Frederick Douglass is not dead. His 
grand character will long be an object lesson in our National 
history. His lofty sentiments of liberty, justice and equality, 
echoed on every platform over our broad land, must influence 
and inspire many coming generations." 

Remarks followed by Miss Susan B. Anthony. Mrs. May 
Wright Sewall, president of the Woman's Council, also spoke. 

M. J. Nicholas, who came to represent Mr. Haentjens, 
Haytien Minister to this country, spoke in French. Then fol- 
lowed an address by ex-United States Minister Durham, who 
formerly represented the United States in Hayti. Remarks 
were also offered by Rev. Dr. W. D. Derrick, of New York. 

A touching incident of the service was the tribute paid to 
Mr. Douglass by John Hutchinson, of Boston, who himself an 
extremely aged man with snowy beard and long white locks 
reaching down over his shoulders, is said to be the last of the 
well known Hutchinson family with whom Douglass was as- 
sociated in slavery days. The old man had come all the way 
from Boston to be present at the funeral and sing an old abo- 
lition song with which, by Douglass' side, he had inspired 
many an audience in New England and abroad against the 
evil of slavery. He made a few reminiscent remarks and 
then sang the song, at the conclusion of which there were few 
dry eyes in the audience. 

The benediction was pronounced by Bishop Williams. In- 
stead of diminishing, the crowd which gathered around the 



20 HISTORY OF THE 

church and in the street, had increased during the service so 
that it was almost impossible for the funeral procession to 
make its way to the carriages outside. The services were ex- 
tremely long and it was after 5 o'clock when they were con- 
cluded. The body was escorted to the depot by letter carriers 
of the district as well as by a large number of personal friends 
of the deceased. The remains were put aboard the 7.10 train 
for Rochester. 



CHAPTER III. 

ELABORATE PREPARATIONS FOR THE FUNERAL 
BY ROCHESTER'S COMMON COUNCIL. 



Action by Rochester, N. Y., Common Council. 
Special Meeting, February 23, 1895. 
Aid. Merton E. Lewis, president of the Board, in the chair. 
Present — Aldermen Calihan, McMillan, Green, Adams, 
Edelman, Ashton, Dewey, Cook, Pauckner, Lewis and Har- 
ris — 11. 

Mayor's Office, 
Rochester, N. Y., Feb. 23, 1895. 
Theodore S. Pulver, City Clerk: 

Sir — You will please call a special meeting of the Common 
Council for this, Saturday afternoon, at 2.30 o'clock, to take 
such action as may be necessary and appropriate in connec- 
tion with the funeral of the Hon. Frederick Douglass, for 
many years a respected resident of this city. 

MERTON^ E. LEWIS, 

Acting Mayor. 
Aid McMillan- 
Mr. President — I rise to a question of privilege and beg 
leave to submit the following memorial and resolutions on 
the death of our former fellow townsman, the Honorable 
Frederick Douglass. 



MEMORIAL. 



At his residence in Washington, February 20, 1895, Fred- 
erick Douglass, a former resident of Rochester, died, and this 
Council have met this afternoon to honor his memory. 

Frederick Douglass was born in Tuckahoe, near Easton. 



22 HISTORY OF THE 

Talbot count j, Maryland, February 14, 1817. His early 
boyhood was passed in slavery upon the plantation of Colonel 
Lloyd. When about nine years of age he learned to read and 
write; September 3, 1838, he escaped from slavery and took 
up his residence in New Bedford, Mass., where he was first 
married. It was here he met and was assisted in his efforts 
to secure an education by William Lloyd Garrison. In 1841, 
Mr. Douglass made a speech at an anti-slavery convention at 
Nantucket which brought him before the attention of the 
Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society and this society at once 
employed him as one of its agents; for them he lectured 
through New England for about four years, upon the subject 
which he was so eminently qualified by nature and experience 
to speak. So successful was he that in 1845 he made a tour 
of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, receiving marked 
attention everywhere. Rochester was honored by his making 
it his home in 1847, and here he resided for the most part 
until 1870. 

When he first settled in Rochester he began the publica- 
tion of a paper known as the "North Star," an organ devoted 
to the abolition of slavery, and which he continued a greater 
part of the time until the emancipation of his race removed 
the cause for its existence. 

Mr. Douglass filled many positions of trust with eminent 
credit to himself and his country. In 1871 he was appointed 
assistant secretary to the commission of Santo Domingo and 
later by President Grant as a member of the Territorial 
Council of the District of Columbia. In 1872 he was elector 
at large for the state of New York and the messenger of the 
Electoral College. From 1876 to 1881 he was United States 
marshal for the District of Columbia, and recorder of deeds 
for that district from 1881 to 1886. But it was as an orator 
and author that Mr. Douglass was perhaps best known from 
the time when he fired the hearts and zeal of the New Eng- 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 



23 



land abolitionists until his last public appearance a few years 
since. He was an orator whose oratory was spontaneous, nat- 
ural and convincing and the citizens of Rochester have not 
forgotten the occasions when he held as if by magic, the large 
audiences which would congregate to hear him. As an au- 
thor he achieved distinction by his works: "Narrative of My 
Experience in Slavery," "My Bondage and My Freedom," 
published here in 1855, and "Life and Times of Frederick 
Douglass." 

Rochester is proud that he is one of her sons and that he 
will rest in her beautiful city of the dead. 

In his life and life work, our youth can find much worthy 
of emulation and its lesson to all cannot be lost. 

"Whoe'er 'amidst the sons 
Of reason, valor, liberty, and virtue 
Displays distinguished merit, is a noble 
Of Nature's own creating." 

Resolved, That we do hereby tender to the family and rel- 
atives of Honorable Frederick Douglass our sympathy in 
their affliction, and that this memorial be spread upon the 
minutes of this Council, a copy of this memorial and these 
resolutions be sent to his family, and further, 

Resolved, That the family of Mr. Douglass be requested 
to permit his body to lie in state in the City Hail on the day 
of the funeral, and further 

Resolved, That this Common Council attend the funeral 
services in a body. 

Adopted. 

Aid. Pauckner moved that a committee of five members 
of the Council be appointed to make arrangements for the 
funeral of Mr. Douglass. Carried. 

The Chair appointed as such committee: Aldermen Pauck- 
ner, Adams, Ashton, Green and Harris. 

On motion of Aid. Dewey the board then adjourned. 



24 



HISTORY OF THE 



MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE OF ARRANGEMENTS. 

The committee of the Common Council, consisting of Al- 
dermen Pauckner, Green, Harris, Adams and Ashton, met ai 
Mayor Lewis' office February 25 and made arrangements for 
the funeral. All members of the committee were present as 
was Mayor Lewis and several interested in the completion 
of the arrangements. Aid. Pauckner acted as chairman. 

The first business to come before the meeting was the selec- 
tion of a church in which the funeral exercises should be held, 
Joseph Farley and Frank Van Doom were present in behalf 
of Plymouth Church congregation, to offer that house of 
worship, in which to hold the services. It was stated that 
inasmuch as Mr. Douglass had attended Plymouth Church 
when in Rochester, that it would be appropriate to hold the 
services at that church. The committee decided to have tho 
funeral services in Central Church at 2 o'clock February 26. 
Rev. W. C. Gannett officiated at the funeral. 

J. W. Thompson appeared at the meeting and stated that 
the Douglass League desired to act as a guard of honor in 
conducting the remains to the city hall and later to Mt. Hope 
cemetery. The offer was accepted. Mr. Thompson was 
asked to appoint the active and honorary bearers which he 
did. 

These gentlemen were appointed as active bean rs: ( Iharles 
P. Lee, William Allen, A. H. Harris, R. J. Jeffrey, R. L. 
Kent, H. A. Spencer, F. S. Cunningham and Charles B. Lee. 
Mr. Thompson also appointed William Oliver, Hon. H. S. 
Greenleaf. J. K. Post and Hon. John Van Voorhis honorary 
bearers. Mayor Lewis suggested that several of the ex- 
Mayors of the city act as honorary bearers and it was decided 
that the four gentlemen named above and ex-Mayors Henry 
L. Fish, William Carroll, Richard Curran, Charles W. Briggs, 
George G. Clarkson and 1ST. C. Bradstreet complete the list. 

Superintendent of Police J. P. Cleary entered the meeting 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 25 

and proposed that four members of the national guard and a 
like number of policemen act as a guard of honor in the Cit y 
Hall. Superintendent Cleary also suggested that a cordon 
of police act as an additional escort from the depot and to 
the cemetery. It was decided to have the policemen act as an 
escort and to have four men stationed in the City Hall as a 
guard of honor. In relation to the national guard it was 
thought best to confer with Capt. Henderson to ascertain 
whether they would wish to turn out. All other organiza- 
tions which wished to march were requested to report to Su- 
perintendent Cleary at 6 o'clock that evening, February 24. 

It was stated at the committee meeting that Charles Doug- 
lass, son of the dead statesman, was captain of a military or- 
ganization in "Washington, and that it would be appropriate 
for any military companies wishing to be in line to do so. A 
band was secured to lead the funeral procession and accom- 
pany the escort from the station. 

Of this committee, Aldermen Adams and Ashton went as 
far as Canandaigua to meet the train, and accompanied the 
funeral party to Rochester. At the station the party was met 
by one of the most imposing gatherings that has ever awaited 
the arrival of the remains of a private citizen. The Mayor 
and the Board of Aldermen were there; the Douglass League, 
a guard of honor from the Eighth Separate Company, and 
committees from several municipal and other organizations, 
but, most impressive of all, was the crowd. The people were 
there and that showed, beyond the shadow of a doubt, what 
they thought. The crowd, like all the crowds at every gath- 
ering place throughout the day, was representative in the 
highest sense. It included the leading business and profes- 
sional men of the community; gray-haired citizens, whose 
life in Rochester dates to the older time when Douglass was 
here; white and colored children of the present time, and all 
the classes that intervene in asre and character. This crowd 



2(J HISTORY OF THE 

filled the station and its approaches so that it was difficult 
for those directly connected with the ceremony of reception 
tc make their way to the train. 

The party that accompanied the body of the orator from 
Washington consisted, in part, of Mrs. Frederick Douglass, 
widow of the celebrated statesman; Messrs. Lewis Ii. and 
Charles R. Douglass, sons; Mrs. R. Douglass Sprague, daugh- 
ter: Misses Estelle and Harriet Sprague, granddaughters, and 
Joseph H. Douglass, grandson. General John A. Eton and 
Professor George W. Cook, representing the Howard Uni- 
versity, were also present, and Rev. J. H. Chilcote of Asbury 
Church, Washington. General Eaton was ex-commissioner 
of education. 

As the passengers alighted from the train and moved out 
of the station the crowd surged in with so much determina- 
tion that it was all the large force of police on hand could do 
to keep a way clear for the procession. While it moved, the 
54th Regiment Band played a funeral march, and after. the 
casket had been placed in the hearse, the march to the city 
hall, via North Clinton street, East and West Main streets 
and the city hall, was begun. First came the 54th Regiment 
Band, then carriages containing the committee of the Com- 
mon Council and the remaining members of that body, then 
the honorary bearers and the active bearers; then the hearse, 
under the escort of the Douglass League, followed by other 
carriages containing friends and relatives. 

The cortege reached the city hall by way of Fitzhugh 
street and the casket was placed at the central point of the 
ground floor, where the main and transverse halls unite. The 
interior of the building was draped with emblems of mourn- 
ing and with a profusion of flags, the latter predominating. 
There was also a profusion of flowers and palms and the effect 
was beautiful in the extreme. 

At the city hall, the custody of the body was given over 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 27 

to a guard of honor consisting of four members of the 8ti» 
Separate Company, under command of a corporal, and four 
officers of the police department, commanded by a lieutenant. 

This is a bare statement of one of the most impressive 
scenes that has ever been seen in Rochester. All along the 
line of march the streets were thronged and the crowd stood 
with bared head, and in silence, as it passed; then as though 
by common consent the people fell into line and followed on 
to the city hall to take their turn with the waiting multitude 
in looking upon the face of the dead. Although everything 
practical was done to hasten the movements of the crowd it 
remained undiminished, so far as any one could see, until it 
became necessary to remove the casket to the church, at 3 
o'clock in the afternoon. 

The higher grades of the public schools were dismissed at 
10 o'clock, and, in charge of their teachers, passed the dais 
upon which lay the body of the man, who, when their parents 
were school children, had been compelled (to plead for the 
right to send his own little ones to the public schools of Koch- 
ester, because they were black. The thousands who passed 
the catafalque, in silent and respectful interest, included 
many who were unborn during the stirring days of the active 
life of Douglass and other thousands who did not set foot 
upon American soil until after it was all done. But, with 
one and all, there was the same evidence of sorrow and of 
respect. 



CHAPTER IV. 

FUNERAL CEREMONIES. AT CENTRAL PRESBY- 
TERIAN CHURCH. 

When the time came for the ceremonies at the church, it 
was necessary to force a way to the casket and to clear the 
building. The line of march was formed on Fitzhugh street 
with the right resting on West Main street and was, perhaps, 
the most imposing that was ever seen in the city of Rochester 
to march so short a distance. It was as follows: 

Captain McDermott, four lieutenants and forty-eight men 
from the police drill corps. 

54th Regiment Band. 

Eighth Separate Company, commanded by Captain Hen- 
derson, 65 men. 

Mayor M. E. Lewis and members of the Common Council, 
including the committee. 

Police commissioners. 

The hearse, followed by the active and honorary bearers 
and Douglass League, T. E. Platner, commanding, as escort. 

The family, relatives and friends of the deceased. 

The active bearers were the following members of Doug- 
lass League: Charles P. Lee, William Allen,' A. H. Harris, R. 
J. Jeffrey, R. L. Kent, H. A. Spencer, F. S. Cunningham a' id 
C. B. Lee. 

The honorary bearers were: Hon. II. S. Greenleaf, Hon. 
John Van Voorhis, J. K. Post, William Oliver, E. A. Frost, 
and ex-Mayors Henry L. Fish, William Carroll and Charles 
W. Briggs. 

The line of march as directed by Superintendent of Police 
Cleary was through Fitzhngh to Church street to the Central 
Church. The policemen formed in line at the Church street 
entrance to the house of worship and the procession entered 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 29 

at this side and marched down in front where the remains 
were deposited in front of the altar. Five hundred seats 
were reserved for the family, relatives, friends and escort. 

The procession moved by way of Fitzhugh street, West 
Main street and Sophia street and stacked arms, the details 
of the guard of honor accompanying the remains of the dead 
orator to the church, while the street was held by the com- 
pany at large. 

Long before the procession reached the street, all the seats 
in the great auditorium, except the 500 reserved for the im- 
mediate friends of Mr. Douglass, were filled and the street 
was thronged with people who would have been glad to ob- 
tain admission but could not do so. The casket was placed 
in front of the platform and was surrounded by the wealth 
of floral gifts that had come from this city, from Washing- 
ton, Boston, Mass., and elsewhere. Every seat and every 
available bit of standing room in the great church was occu- 
pied when the services began. 

Seated upon the platform were Rev. Dr. H. H. Stebbins. 
of the Central Church ; Rev. Dr. William R. Taylor, of the 
Brick Church; Rev. Dr. J. P. Sankey, of the United Presby- 
terian Church; Rev. H. Clay Peepels, of the Park Avenue 
Baptist Church; Rev. Dr. W. C. Gannett, of the Unitarian 
Church; Rev. G. W. Peck, of the North Presbyterian 
Church; Rev. Wesley Ely, of Zion Methodist Church; Rev. 
Dr. J. E. Mason, presiding elder of the African Methodist 
Episcopal Church of the district; Sherman D. Richardson, 
Miss Mary Anthony and many others. Mayor M. E. Lewis 
and the aldermanic committee, consisting of Messrs. Pauck- 
ner, Harris, Ashton, Adams, Green, McMillan and Super- 
intendent of Police Joseph Cleary also occupied seats on the 
platform, as representatives of the municipal government. 

It is not easy to say anything about the services from first 
to last, without the danger of growing over-eloquent. The 



30 



HISTORY OF THE 



church full of people that sat or stood through the long serv- 
ice was one that it would be difficult to draw on any occasion, 
however important, and impossible to bring together upon an 
occasion of less significance. The last time that the church 
held such a gathering was when Douglass sat on the platform 
with President Harrison on the Sunday before the unveiling 
of the soldiers' monument in May, 1892. 

After the procession had passed down the aisle, and the 
casket had been placed before the altar, Dr. Taylor of the 
Brick Church, led in the opening prayer. After this Sher- 
man D. Richardson read the following poem: 

I saw the slave of Maryland 

Upon the soil of freedom stand. 

The waves that once the Mayflower bore 

Were dashing on New England's shore. 

The Stars and Stripes showed Northern will 

On breezes from old Bunker Hill, 

And as he drank in liberty, 

I saw the man from serfdom free. 

I saw him like a monarch stand, 

With Lincoln's edict in his hand; 

With lips infused from heaven's fire, 

With thoughts that would all time inspire, 

Transfigured on Columbia's sod; 

A living type from Freedom's God; 

Incarnate soul of Liberty 

He stood — A race and land were free. 

I saw again God's Pioneer, 
In grand repose upon his bier. 
The lines that showed the reaper's path, 
Were softened with death's aftermath. 
But yet that face more grandly taught 
Of will and power, of battles fought, 
Of victories won for Liberty — 
The crown at last, the soul was free. 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 3^ 

At the conclusion of the poem, and after music by the 
choir, Miss Mary Anthony, who was one of the warmest and 
staunchest friends of Mr. Douglass, in his days of trial, read 
a spirited sketch of his life and work. 

Then, after another musical selection, came the address 
of the day, delivered by Rev. Dr. W. C. Gannett, which was, 
in part, as follows: 

"This is an impressive moment in our city history. There 
was a man who lived in one of its humbler homes whose name 
barred him from the doors of the wealthier mansions of our 
city. This man has come home to a little circle of his best 
beloved ones. He has come, as it were, alone, and our city 
has gone forth to meet him at its gates. He has been wel- 
comed for once in the most impressive way. His remains 
have laid in our city hall. Our school children have looked 
upon his face, that they may in the future tell their children 
that they have looked on the face of Frederick Douglass. 
What a difference ! Think of the contrast ! What does it ail 
mean? It means two things. It is a personal tribute and it 
is an impersonal tribute. It is personal tribute to the man 
who has exemplified before the eyes of all America the in- 
spiring example of a man who made himself. America is the 
land of opportunities. But not all men in this land can use 
their opportunities. Here was a man who used to the utmost 
all the opportunities that America held forth to him and 
when opportunities were not at hand he made them. . Nature 
gave him birth, nature deprived him of father and almost of 
mother. He was born seventy-eight years ago, forty years 
before anti-slavery was heard of as a watchword. 

"That was his home, his welcome to the earth. It was 
heaven to be born a slave in Maryland. He was born at a 
time when the laws of that state were links to hold the black 
man to the ground, and you know what the North did in the 
way of keeping the law which required that fugitives from 



32 HISTORY OF THE 

slavery should be sent back to bondage. You know what the 
public opinion in the North was against the slave. You know 
that Northern law sent back a slave, if he escaped, to his 
Southern master. He had no school, not even the college of 
the wood pile to which so many of our Northern statesmen 
point so often with pride. All the school he knew was the 
lash with which his cruel master laid on his back with force. 

"The kind mistress he had three or four years gave him 
in her innocence the A, B, C's. A hard master gave him the 
lash. Both caused him to be Frederick Douglass. Read in 
his autobiography how the boy made up his mind to obey his 
master until he was abused unlawfully. Read the story of 
two hours' combat between the master and slave. He did 
not hurt his master, but he did not let his master strike him. 
At the end Douglass was a free man in his soul. He had 
dared death and nothing else had any terror for him. This 
was the last flogging Frederick Douglass ever received. 

"Then came the escape. He went to a little anti-slavery 
convention in New England and made a little speech. The 
next day Douglass found himself famous. New England sud- 
denly discovered that it had discovered an orator and you who 
heard him knew his eloquence came from his heart. Mean- 
while history was making. All the rivers in the great valley 
to the west run into one. All the streams in national life 
were running into one stream during the years 1860 and 
1861 and that stream was slavery. The war followed. Then 
history was being made and the war being done, Douglass be- 
came an American citizen; he became presidential elector 
for New York state; Douglass became the honored minister 
of the United States to Hayti; Douglass became the honored 
guest in all the North; Douglass became a part of the coun- 
try's history. 

"He is not simply a self-made man, although he was one of 
the greatest. A man self-made but large hearted. Who ever 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 33 

had better opportunity to be great hearted? Who ever need- 
ed to be a greater hearted man more than Frederick Doug- 
lass? Think of the chronic results for which he labored al- 
most to the end of his life. Notwithstanding that the lash 
had been lifted from his back, still he encountered shrugs of 
the shoulders, lifting of the eyebrows and an edging away 
from his fellow men when he approached them, always 
under that opportunity of insult. 

"His great heart had a chronic forgiveness. The sweetness 
of his nature grew in the latter part of his life till it touched 
the features of his face. Charity, ever growing charity, 
should always accompany our thoughts of Fred Douglass, be- 
cause his life was charity personified. No sweeter nature 
could be imagined. How true it is, the word of Emerson: 
'The things of the man of which we visited were once in the 
dark and the cold.' There will never be a tribute like this 
awaiting us when we come to our last day. Yea, and often 
he lived in the darkness of coldness and insult, to-day we 
brirsr him into the sunlight of true appreciation. 

±Jut that Avas not all. It is not simply a tribute to the 
man. The personal tribute rises and loses itself in a grander 
and nobler thought. It becomes transfigured into an imper- 
sonal thought. We are in an era of change on a great sub- 
ject. White people here are honoring a black people. An 
exception? Yes. Great men are always exceptions. An ex- 
ception? Yes, but an instance as well, an example of how 
the world's feeling is changing. Not only that. I like to 
think over our 140,000 people of Rochester and pick out the 
two or three or four who will be called our first citizens twen- 
ty or thirty years hence. Very few in Eochester are famous 
through the North; very few are famous through the 
nation; very few are famous throughout the world. 
Yet the papers of two continents had editorials about 
the man whose remains lie before us. We have but one 



34 HISTORY OF THE 

bronze monument in our streets. Will the next be that of 
Fred Douglass, the black man, the ex-slave, the renowned ora- 
tor, the distinguished American citizen? I think it will be. 
In and around our soldiers' monument we group the history 
of war. It is not only the monument of Lincoln, although 
Lincoln's figure is represented there. It is the monument 
of the war. 

"The nation to-day, thank God, is not only celebrating its 
emancipation from slavery, but also its emancipation from the 
slavery of prejudice and from the slavery of caste and color. 
Let me end with one great word. It is his word. There are 
but six words in the sentence and it is one of the great sen- 
tences worthy to be painted on church walls and worthy to be 
included in such a book as the Bible. It is: 'One with God 
is a majority.' " 

A prayer and the pronouncing of the benediction by Dr. 
H. II. Stebbins closed the services at the church, but the 
crowd which had gained access to the building joined the 
hundreds who had lingered outside, and waited until the cas- 
ket had been placed in the hearse, until the relatives atiu 
mediate friends had taken their places and the procession, 
headed by its cordon of police and by the militia, had taken 
up its march toward Mt. Hope. The band and the dual escort 
went only to the gates of the cemetery. Beyond that point 
the funeral was like that of any other citizen. There was a 
brief prayer by the Kev. W. R. Taylor in the chapel, after 
which the same clergyman spoke the few words of formal 
committal to the receiving vault, where the body remained 
until spring, and was then buried in the family lot, 26, Sec. T. 

There was a noticeable increase in the number of arrivals 
upon incoming local trains on all lines, showing the high es- 
teem in which the great man was held in all this region. 



CHAPTER V. 

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY VARIOUS OFFICIAL 

BODIES. 

BY THE MONUMENT COMMITTEE. 

Resolved, That in the death of the Hon. Frederick Doug- 
lass, this city sustains the loss of an eminent citizen, whose 
life and services in behalf of human rights will illumine one 
of the most interesting and exciting chapters in the history 
of the nineteenth century. In Rochester his earlier strug- 
gles for equality and humanity were commenced. His phe- 
nomenal success and honorable career, combined as they were 
with strict integrity, inspired by unfaltering zeal for his 
life's mission in behalf of his race, commanding for him, as 
citizen, patriot, emancipator and statesman, the respect and 
admiration of the civilized world, unite to render him one of 
the unique characters in history. 

We deem it appropriate that in our city, where he built his 
first home as a freeman, he should find his last resting place, 
and that here the last sad rites should be performed over his 
mortal remains, by interment in the same fair city of the 
dead where repose so many of his former compatriots. 

Recalling the fact that his home in our city commanded a 
view of Mt. Hope and of the adjacent grounds, now known 
as Highland Park, we would respectfully suggest to the hon- 
orable, the Common Council, and to the Board of Park Com- 
missioners of Rochester, that appropriate action be taken to 
change the name of that park to Douglass Park, and that we 
hereby request the co-operation of all to the end that at the 
earliest practical date, a life size or heroic statue of the dis- 
tinguished fellow citizen, whose death is so generally de- 
plored, but whose memory we will ever honor, be erected on 
the loftiest spot therein. 



36 HISTORY OF THE 

Resolved, That we will attend the funeral of the deceased 
as a body. 

Resolved, That we tender the family of the deceased, 
dwelling in the shadow of their great sorrow, our heartfelt 
sympathy. 

Eesolved, That a copy of these resolutions be communi- 
cated to the honorable, the Common Council, and to the 
Board of Park Commissioners of Rochester. 

H. S. GREENLEAF, 
C. 8. BAKER, 
GEORGE A. BENTON, 
JOHN W. THOMPSON, 
HENRY A. SPENCER, 
CHARLES P. LEE, 

Committee. 

BY THE DOUGLASS LEAGUE. 

A special meeting of Douglass League, an organization of 
colored men named in honor of the dead leader, was held at 
its headquarters last evening. This memorial upon the death 
of Mr. Douglass was adopted: 

Whereas, God in His wisdom has removed from the scenes 
of an active life our most distinguished brother member, 
Hon. Frederick Douglass; and 

Whereas, We feel that his death leaves a vacancy which 
cannot be filled; therefore 

Resolved, That by the death of Mr. Douglass this organ- 
ization loses its most illustrious member, the race a trusted 
friend and counselor, the country one of its greatest orators, 
an able diplomat, a wise statesman and a patriotic citizen, 
and the whole civilized world a shining light. 

Resolved, That we recognize in him a leader whose ability 
was of the highest order, his wisdom far reaching and in 
whose integrity we sincerely believed and implicitly trusted. 

Resolved, That we will ever honor his name and cherish 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 



37 



his memory and hand down to our children and children's 
children the example he has set for their emulation. 

Resolved, That when we take in consideration the condi- 
tion which surrounded his birth, and pursued him in his flight 
toward the polar star, still harrassed in the land of sup- 
pressed freedom until his manumission was purchased with 
gold, yet followed during his whole life by an unjust, unrea- 
sonable prejudice, which had its birth in slavery; the severity 
of which prejudice was diminished only by his intellectual 
power and force of character, may be truly called one of the 
world's greatest men. 

Resolved, That in memory of our departed brother, the 
headquarters of the league be draped and each member wear 
a badge of mourning for the space of thirty days. 

Resolved, That these resolutions be recorded on the min- 
utes, published in the daily papers and a copy sent to the 
heart-stricken family. 

Resolved, That we extend our sincere condolence to the 
sorrowing family in this their great bereavement, and that 
we attend the funeral in a body. 

J. W. THOMPSON, 
A. H. HARRIS, 
R, L. KENT, 

Committee. 

BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION. 

At a meeting of the Board of Education the following me- 
morial was adopted: 

In the death of Hon. Frederick Douglass the people of 
this country sustain a great loss and the people of his race 
will miss a staunch friend and a noble example. Upright in 
manhood, the strength and purity of his personality will com- 
mand respect and honor in all future time. 

As a former citizen of Rochester, as a friend and patron 
of onr public schools, Mr. Douglass will be personally re- 



38 



HISTORY OF THE 



membered by our citizens with great pride. It is well to 
honor the memory of that distinguished citizen whose life 
will serve as an example to the rising generation of sterling 
and stalwart Americans. He was generous and kind; he 
never betrayed a friend or a cause and in his personal life he 
was a distinguished example; be it 

Resolved, That this board record its appreciation of his 
great services to his country and the cause of freedom. 

As a further mark of respect to the memory of the de- 
ceased orator the pupils of the Free Academy and of the 
upper grades of the grammar schools visited City Hall and 
viewed the remains. 

BY THE STATE ASSEMBLY. 

Hon. James M. E. O'Grady, of Rochester, introduced and 
the Assembly adopted the following: 

Resolved, That the Assembly hears with regret of the sud- 
den and unexpected death of the Hon. Frederick Douglass 
of Washington, born in slavery, thrown upon his own re- 
sources at an early date, self educated entirely, and endowed 
with great natural ability he successfully filled the positions 
of orator, editor, diplomat and statesman. 

His death removes one of the foremost citizens and most 
striking figures of the republic as well as the most distin- 
guished member of his race of modern times. 

As a former resident of this state and who has been sig- 
nally honored by our citizens, it is fitting that we should take 
public notice of his death. 



CHAPTER VI. 

ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF THE MOVEMENT TO 
ERECT A MONUMENT. 

At a meeting of Eureka Lodge, No. 36, F. and A. M., held 
in the city of Rochester, N. Y., November 20, 1894, 
after making a short address, J. W. Thompson made a mo- 
tion that a committee be appointed for the purpose of erect- 
ing a monument in memory of the Afro-American soldiers 
and sailors who had fallen in the Civil War. Mr. Thompson 
was elected chairman of the committee and authorized to 
appoint others to act with him. At the next meeting he an- 
nounced the following committee: Hon. George A. Benton, 
Hon. Charles S. Baker, Hon. William Purcell, Hon. H. S. 
Greenleaf, treasurer, Hon. Richard Curran, Messrs. R. L. 
Kent, Thomas E. Platner, H. A. Spencer, C. J. Vincent, 
Leon J. Du Bois and F. S. Cunningham. Before the com- 
mittee had a meeting the chairman sent a communication to 
Hon. Frederick Douglass in regard to the project. In answer 
the following was received: 

Mr. J. W. Thompson: Anacostia, D. C, Dec. 3, 1804. 

My Dear Sir — I am more than pleased with the patriotic 
purpose to erect in Rochester a monument in honor of the 
colored soldiers who, under great discouragements, at the 
moment of the national peril volunteered to go to the front 
and fight for their country — when assured in advance that 
neither by our own government nor that of the confederates 
would they be accorded the equal rights of peace or of war. 
The colored soldier fought with a halter about his neck, but 
lie fought all the same. I shall be proud if I shall live to see 
the proposed monument erected in the city of Rochester, 
where the best years of my life were spent in the service of 
our people — and which to this day seems like my home. 

Yours verv truly, FREDERICK DOUGLASS. 



40 



HISTORY OF THE 



December 21, the same year, appeals were made for funds 
in all of the city newspapers and splendid editorials appeared 
approving the effort to honor the memory of the heroes in 
granite and bronze, those who died for their country's flag. 
The movement met with some opposition from unexpected 
quarters among the colored people, who claimed that one 
soldiers' monument represented all who were killed in the 
Civil War. Chairman Thompson did not see it in that light, 
as he stated at a meeting held in Zion's Church. "I have 
visited the monument in Washington's Square," said he, 
"and 'made an examination of the bronze figures. The fea- 
tures of three represent the American white soldier and 
sailor, one the Irish soldier and one the German, while the 
Afro-American is not represented in features." The next 
day after this meeting Hon. H. S. Greenleaf, Hon. Charles 
S. Baker and Chairman Thompson met in Mr. Baker's office 
and decided to erect a shaft in memory of the soldiers and 
sailors and place upon it a bronze statute in honor of Fred- 
erick Douglass. The committee then entered upon its duties 
and the soliciting of funds began for the purpose. 

On the night of February 20, 1895, news reached the city 
that Frederick Douglass died suddenly at his Anacostia home. 
Mr. Thompson made the announcement in the morning news- 
papers that the monument would be erected in memory of 
the late Frederick Douglass. In 1896 and 1897 the financial 
condition of the country was in a worse state than it had been 
since 1873. Money was hard to collect. The most of the 
committee after a short struggle turned in their books or 
refused to try longer to do anything, but the chairman de- 
clined to give up the work, and in 1897 he appointed as 
members of the committee Mrs. R. Jerome Jeffrey, T. 
Thomas Fortune, New York Age; Bishop Alexander Wal- 
ters, ST. J. ; Thomas H. Barnes, Olean, K Y. ; E. R. Spann- 
ing, Owego, 1ST. Y. ; Benjamin F. Cleggett, Geneva, 1ST. Y.; 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 4^ 

Theodore Dnffin, Geneva, N. Y.; Rev. James E. Mason, D. 
D., Rochester, N. Y. With these newly appointed members 
to the committee, J. W. Thompson continued his effort to 
raise the needed $10,000 to complete the work, and the grand 
completion and unveiling was the proudest day of his life. 

MR. J. W. THOMPSON BEFORE THE ASSEMBLY. 

Mr. Thompson appeared before the finance committee at 
Albany, 1ST. Y., January 24, 1897, and asked an appropriation 
of $5,000 for the Monument Fund. Mr. Thompson said: 
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen: 

To stand within the walls of this capitol building the very 
essence of architectural beauty and elegance, the wealthiest 
and most influential state in the union, to address this honor- 
able and respected committee of the Assembly of the state 
of New York on this occasion, for a few brief moments ask- 
ing an appropriation to aid us in erecting a monument to the 
memory of the late Frederick Douglass, in the city of Roch- 
ester, N. Y., where he resided for nearly forty years, I esteem 
it the honor of my life. 

I shall make no effort, however, to speak for this ex-slave 
leader and statesman who has fallen by the will of the Al- 
mighty, after reaching the highest round in the ladder of 
fame. Last Friday as I stood at the foot of his grave, watch- 
ing the six United States flags placed there by myself last 
Decoration day, and as they were being tossed by the win- 
ter's wind, T said to myself the remains of Frederick Douglass 
wrapped in the narrow confinement of the grave, resting un- 
der our National flags in their magnificent silence, are more 
eloquent than any words that could be used by me to-day, I 
shall therefore give a few reasons why the state should make 
the appropriation asked for. 

Frederick Douglass escaped from slavery in the year 1838. 
He went to New Bedford, Mass., and worked in a ship yard 



42 HISTORY OF THE 

for nearly two years. There the Liberator, a newspaper ed- 
ited by William Lloyd Garrison, fell into his hands. He said 
the sentiments expressed in that paper against slavery were 
the sentiments of his own soul. He left that city and went 
to Europe, and on his return to Rochester, N. Y., he estab- 
lished a newspaper known as the "North Star," in the in- 
terest of freedom and justice, by which he created a senti- 
ment against human slavery that caused hundreds of thous- 
ands of New York's bravest men to declare that they would 
march to the front and put down the horrible and wretched 
curse of slavery. They went with thousands from other 
states but the work was not accomplished until the Afro- 
American was adorned with the uniform of the United 
States and marched side by side with their brothers to the 
field of battle in defence of the American flag, and in this 
Frederick Douglass was an important factor. He traveled 
in every state this side of the Mason and Dixon line soliciting 
volunteers to preserve our glorious Union. In this he de- 
clared as a citizen of the United States and the great state 
of New York, I shall do my duty. He Avas chosen by the 
citizens of Rochester to deliver a Fourth of July oration in 
the year 1855. Later on he came very near being elected 
a member of Assembly from the city of Rochester. He was 
a great orator, and a prominent figure in the history of our 
state; he was a Presidential elector from this state; he at- 
tended many National Conventions and received votes for 
the highest office in the gift of the American people. He 
was Minister to Hayti; he was United States Marshal under 
President Hayes; he was Recorder of Deeds of the District 
of Columbia. So great was his ability and his high character 
that at his death the State Assembly adjourned in respect to 
his memory; the 26th day of February, 1895, his remains 
\\cre received in Rochester in the honored presence of the 
Mayor and Common Council of that city and thousands of 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 43 

citizens with uncovered heads; his remains lay in state in the 
City Hall, schools were closed that teachers and scholars 
might view for the last time the picturesque form of Freder- 
ick Douglass. 

Now, Mr. Chairman, if you will grant us the appropriation 
asked we will add to that the $2,500 already pledged; we will 
solicit the balance and unveil the monument of Frederick 
Douglass very shortly, and will place those features and form 
in bronze that these same children and the people of the 
world may know that the citizens of the Empire State regard 
a man and a statesman as such, regardless of his color or pre- 
vious condition. JSTow, sir, grant our appeal and gladden the 
hearts of millions of our citizens; grant this appeal and we 
shall rear a monument which shall testify that we are not 
unmindful of him and his noble work. Far beyond that — 
by the erection of such a memorial we may leave a witness 
which shall speak long after our tongues are hushed, a witness 
whose silent testimony shall be eloquent, which shall be a in- 
spiration for generations to come, inciting American man- 
hood to love of country; to unconquerable devotions to a 
great cause, telling our boys that the humbleness of birth is 
no insurmountable barrier to eminence, that all doors swing- 
open to those who keep their heart right, and give themselves 
with unremitting toil and high purpose to the work which 
lies before them. 

Happy am I to speak for his monument, and happy, thrice- 
happy, will be those who by your recommendation will be 
given an opportunity to vote for this appropriation. 

THE BILL AS PASSED FEB. 3, 1S97. 

The bill, changed by the Finance Committee from $5,000 
to $3,000, was introduced by W. W. Armstrong, as follows: 
An ACT making an appropriation to assist in the erection of 
a monument to the memory of the late Frederick Doug- 
las^, at his former place of residence within this state. 



44 HISTORY OF THE 

The People of the State of New York, represented in Sen- 
ate and Assembly, do enact as follows: 

Section 1. The sum of three thousand dollars is hereby 
appropriated out of any moneys in the treasury not other- 
wise appropriated for the purpose of assisting in the erection 
of a monument to the memory of the late Frederick Doug- 
lass at the city of Rochester, 1ST. Y., his former place of resi- 
dence within this state for which contributions are now being 
publicly solicited of the citizens of this state by the colored 
people, and the comptroller is hereby authorized to pay the 
same to the committee having the same in charge whenever 
it shall be satisfactorily shown by such committee that the 
collectible subscriptions for such purpose together with the 
sum hereby appropriated will be sufficient to purchase and 
erect such monument. 

Sec. 2. This act shall take effect immediately. 

The biiJ as amended passed in the Assembly and Senate 
unanimously and was signed by Governor Frank S. Black. 
The whole sum was paid to Chairman Thompson during 
August and September, 1898. 

THE ROLL OF HONOR. 

' The names of those who donated their services to help 
raise the funds by assisting in entertainments were: Miss 
Susan B. Anthony, Miss Mary E. Sampson, Rev. Anna Shaw. 
Philadelphia; Mrs. Victoria E. Mathews, New York; Prof. 
Booker T. Washington, Tuskegee, Ala.; Hon. J. M. E. 
O'Grady; Miss Florence Sprague; Mrs. R. Jerome Jeffrey, 
Mrs. J. W. Thompson; Col. J. S. Graham; Col. N. P. Pond; 
Col. Sherman D. Richardson; Mrs. A. E. Stockton; Ludwig 
Schenck; Frank Mandeville; Miss May Lepeon; Miss Olive 
Franklin; Miss Maude Bannister; Miss Marion Curtis; J. F. 
Marshall; Prof. James FT. Cash; Arthur Coleman; J. Frank 
Washington; J. W. Thompson; D. L. Ainsworth; Miss Ma- 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 



45 



line Thomas; Miss Ella M. Young; Miss Carrie Sprague; 
Thomas H. Barnes; Miss Pearl Fundy; Elliott Sprague. 

The juveniles took part in helping to build the monument 
by presenting a little drama entitled "The Ten Virgins," 
taken from incidents found in the twenty-fifth chapter of St. 
Matthew. The bride was Mary Burks, and the groom, Ed- 
ward Buckingham. The ten virgins were : Pauline L. Thomp- 
son, Emma Miller, Gladys Myers, Emma Gibbs, Kittie 
Mason, Elsie Townes, Gertrude A. Thompson, Vera Burks, 
Ethel Gilbert, LaBell M. Kent, Chriselda Cash, Abbie Frank- 
lin. 

Much credit is due Messrs. Ira S. Wile and Percival DeW. 
Oviatt, two prominent young men of Rochester, N. Y., for 
their efforts to raise the sum necessary to take up the note 
that had been given the Smith Granite Company by John W. 
Thompson, chairman of the committee, for $2,000. The en- 
tertainment took place at the Lyceum Theater February 20, 
1899, but less than $200 was realized. The participants of 
the effort were some of the best local talent, among them be- 
ing Mrs. O. W. Moore, elocutionist ; University of Rochester 
Mandolin Club; the Cedar Hill Quartette; Henry J. Schlegel, 
soloist; George E. Fisher; Charles E. Van Laer; Charles R. 
Osgood, soloist; Robert P. Levis; Richard Sutherland; Wal- 
ter W. Arnold; George P. Gulp, and M. S. Taylor. 

The patronesses were Mrs. R. Sibley, Mrs. W. E. Hoyt, 
Mrs. C. W. Dodge, Mrs. W. Eastwood, Mrs. W. H. Mont- 
gomery, Mrs. W. S. Little, Mrs. F. S. Newell, Mrs. Joseph 
O'Connor and Mrs. Martin W. Cooke. 

This entertainment for so noble a cause took place just 
four years to the very day after the death of the statesman for 
whose monument the fund was to be applied. It was a nota- 
ble fact that the night was the coldest of the winter which 
had much to do with the small attendance. 



4(5 HISTORY OF THE 

ACTION BY A. M. E. ZION CONFERENCE, JUNE 4, 1898. 

J. H. Anderson, D. D., offered the following resolutions 
which Avere unanimously approved: 

Whereas, We have heard with pleasure from Mr. J. W. 
Thompson, of Rochester, 1ST. Y., that the proposed Douglass 
monument to be erected in Rochester is an accomplished fact 
so far as the collection of funds is concerned, there having 
been appropriated $3,000 by the state of New York, $1,000 
by the Haytien government and about $2,000 raised by his 
own efforts, thus there being about $G,000 raised of the 
$7,000 necessary to erect the monument; therefore, 

Resolved, That we heartily commend the energy, tact and 
successful efforts of Mr. Thompson, and that the New York 
Annual Conference of the A. M. E. Zion Church, of which 
Frederick Douglass was an honored member, contribute 
$100.00 to this highly commendable enterprise in which is 
involved the interests of the entire negro race in America. 



CHAPTER VII. 

SELECTION OE A SITE FOR THE MONUMENT AT 
ROCHESTER, N. Y. 

Shortly after the passage of the bill appropriating three 
thousand dollars to the Douglass monument fund, Chairman 
Thompson was requested by many citizens to> have the monu- 
ment placed in Plymouth Park. The chairman appeared be- 
fore the Park Board and made the request which was referred 
to a committee at the next meeting. The request was granted 
by a unanimous vote after all of the property owners had 
been consulted and their permission given. Many people 
complimented the committee upon their excellent choice for 
the statue of Douglass, as when placed at that park it could be 
seen many blocks away and would show to a great advantage 
from Plymouth Avenue. This was during 1897. The events 
of the succeeding year, however, demonstrated the fact that 
there were objections to the monument of the great states- 
man being placed in Plymouth Park, which had been asked 
for by the committee and granted by the Park Commission- 
ers. This objection counted for but little, however, as there 
were many other sites offered. A large number of admirers 
of Mr. Douglass were open in their criticism of the committee 
for selecting the park, giving as their reason that it would 
only be seen by persons going that way, while the statue of 
Douglass was an object lesson and ought to be in the heart of 
the city. For that reason Chairman Thompson raised no ob- 
jections believing the site near the Central station the best. 

At a meeting of the Park Commissioners January 30, 
1898, the following protest was raised: 
To the Park Commission of the City of Rochester: 

Gentlemen — We, the undersigned, residents and property 
owners around Plymouth Park, are informed that it is the 
purpose of your body to place in Plymouth Park the statue 



48 HISTORY OF THE 

of the late Frederick Douglass. While we feel with other 
citizens of [Rochester that the honor is due his memory, still 
we think a larger park would be more appropriate. There- 
fore we ask your honorable body to select some other location, 
as we protest most emphatically against its being placed in 
Plymouth Park. 

Signed — Helen M. Hess, L. Powis, Mary Powis, Immacu- 
late Conception Church Association, per the Rev. James F. 
O'Hare, M. L. Hughes, Winifred Egan, Margaret B. Mar- 
shall, F. J. Hess, E. J. TCelsey. 

After President Moore had stated that permission had al- 
ready been granted to erect the monument in Plymouth Park 
and that such action had only been taken after the views of 
the property owners in the vicinity had been obtained, the 
privilege of the floor was granted to John W. Thompson, 
chairman of the Douglass Memorial Committee. Mr. Thomp- 
son said that there was no desire on his part to force the mon- 
ument on any one. Personally, he favored Plymouth Park, 
but if the residents there did not want it, he would leave the 
matter in the hands of the board. Mr. Thompson said that 
he was sure that Mr. Douglass, if he were alive, would not 
care to have a monument to his memory placed in a park 
where it might be objectionable to the people. 

A genera] discussion of the matter followed, several Com- 
missioners participating in the debate. Commissioner Gra- 
ham suggested that the matter ought to be treated in a public 
spirit. He did not think Plymouth Park was the best place 
for the monument. A much better place would be at the en- 
trance to one of the large parks, particularly Genesee Valley 
Park. Another good place would be on the triangle at the 
corner of "North St. Paul Street and Central Avenue, oppo- 
site the Central Railroad station, where thousands of people 
passing through the city could get a look at the monument 
which the city of Rochester had erected in honor of Douglas-. 




HON. GEORGE A. BENTON. 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 49 

the greatest of his race. The discussion was ended by having 
the matter referred to the City Park Committee with instruc- 
tions to report back at the next meeting of the board. Mean- 
while this committee was to confer with a committee from 
the Douglass Monument Committee. 

It was said by some that the cause of the objections to 
placing the monument in the park was on account of the 
smallness of the park, while it was hinted by many that the 
protest was brought about by race prejudice on the part of 
the signers. The writer who attended during the four years 
it took for the erection of the monument every entertain- 
ment or meeting of any kind for the Douglass monument, or 
where the name of Douglass was discussed, desires to say, to 
the everlasting credit of the citizens of Rochester, N. Y., 
that he never observed any feeling of race prejudice in re- 
gard to the monument to Frederick Douglass. Every site 
in the city was offered except the one in question. 

The joint committee, consisting of the city property com- 
mittee of the Common Council, the City Park Committee of 
the Park Board, and the Douglass Monument Committee, 
met in the rooms of the Park Commissioners at 4 o'clock 
February 10, 1898. The following were present: J. W. 
Thompson, chairman, and Hon. George A. Benton, R. L. 
Kent and Benjamin Simms of the Monument Committee; 
Chairman Moore of the Park Board; Chairman Elwood, of 
the City Park Committee, and Commissioners Wright and 
Hitter; Chairman Pauckner, of the City Property Commit- 
tee of the Common Council, and Aldermen Raubcr, Edelman 
and Tracy. 

Alderman Pauckner was elected chairman of the joint com- 
mittee and Secretary Stone of the Park Board, secretary for 
the joint meeting. Mr. Thompson was then called on to 
state the object of the meeting and the status of the monu- 
ment movement. 



5(| HISTORY OF THE 

Mr. Thompson arose and said: "Some time ago in behalf of 
the monument committee, I made application to the park 
board for Plymouth Park for the purpose of obtaining a site 
for the Douglass monument. The commissioners granted the 
site by a unanimous vote. Afterwards a protest was filed by 
the residents in the vicinity of Plymouth Park. If Frederick 
Douglass were alive, I am sure that he would not want to see 
his statue placed among people who did not want it there. 
That is the feeling of his friends. To-day I come to ask you, 
so far as I am personally concerned, and I think that I voice 
the sentiments of a large part of our committee, that the pro- 
posed monument be given a site in the triangle at the corner 
of Xorth St. Paul Street and Central Avenue. 

"I think it will be an appropriate place for the memorial 
of the man who is the first statesman of my race to have a 
monument. The spot to which I refer is one situated in the 
heart of the city, and those who pass through the city from 
east to west will see the monument as well. There are ob- 
jections to the site as it exists to-day, but I am assured that 
it can be made much more sightly by raising the surface of 
the tract in question and grading it properly, which I have 
been assured will be done." 

Commissioner Wright agreed with Mr. Thompson. He 
thought that the triangle was the place above all others. Peo- 
ple passing through on the trains would be sure to see the 
monument and Rochester was better known to many people 
as the home of Frederick Douglass than in any other way. 
He had when traveling many times met people who would 
speak of this city and refer to it as the home of Frederick 
Douglass. People passing through would be sure to see and 
speak of the monument. Mr. Wright thought that the size 
of the spot in question, 90x50 feet, as sufficient to afford am- 
ple room for a site. Highland Park, which had been men- 
tioned, he considered too remote from the heart of the city; 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 51 

too few people would see the monument there. It ought to 
have a place of exceeding great prominence. 

E. L. Kent also thought that the triangle was the proper 
place for a monument to Douglass. He believed that the site 
would meet with the general approval of all. 

Judge George A. Benton was called upon for an expres- 
sion of opinion and said: "Before the Douglass monument 
was thought of T had looked at the triangle and wished that 
a monument might be erected there. I understand that Mrs. 
Douglass objects and prefers Highland Park. Aside from 
her objection I think that the argument is all on the side of 
the triangle. What better place for a monument to Freder- 
ick Douglass than this where he would face the north and the 
stream of travel, with his back to the south?''' 

Alderman Rauber, of the Fifth Ward, said that if the pro- 
posed site was large enough, he was in favor of it by all 
means. It was in his ward and his people wanted to get the 
monument located there. He had feared that the site was 
not large enough, but after listening to the discussion he was 
satisfied that he had been mistaken, and that the triangle was 
by all odds the place for the monument. 

Dr. Moore asked Mr. Thompson to enlighten the meeting 
regarding the progress of the raising of funds and the plans 
of the committee. Mr. Thompson replied that the state had 
voted $3,000, to be available when the committee had raised 
$4,000. The committee had on hand in cash and good sub- 
scriptions about $2,000 more. The monument complete, in- 
cluding the pedestal, was designed to cost $10,000, and it was 
hoped that it could be unveiled in August. Mr. Thompson 
said that he saw Mrs. Douglass on Sunday, and she spoke of 
her desire to have the monument located at Highland Park. 

Alderman Pauckner said that Highland Park was in his 
ward, and the Fourteenth Ward people wanted the monu- 
ment up there where Douglass had once lived. 



52 



HISTORY OF THE 



Dr. Moore objected. Said he: "A monument should be 
in the heart of a city among the people, where they are the 
busiest. At Highland Park, for many years at least, few 
people would see the monument. At the triangle the crowds 
that will see it will grow larger every day." 

Reference was made to the statue of Horace Greeley, lo- 
cated on Thirty-second Street, E"ew York ( 'if y, and the fact 
was commented upon that it is situated in a cramped place, 
but purposely located where it would be seen by multitudes 
of people. It was suggested that after the triangle had been 
graded and raised several feet, and after Mr. Laney had ex- 
ercised his skill in beautifying it, it would be an admirable 
site. 

Judge G. A. Benton then moved that it was the sense of 
the joint committee that the triangle should be appropriated 
for the site of the Douglass monument. The motion wa- 
unanimously carried after a short discussion. Alderman 
Tracy then su<xg"-ted that Mr. Thompson address a commu 
nication to the Common Council asking for the site, in order 
to bring the matter before that body in proper form, the tri- 
angle not being under the jurisdiction of the park commis- 
sioners. The meeting then adjourned. 

^\! r.Thompson stated before the meeting was called to order 
that while there had been some adverse comment on the Cen- 
tral Avenue site, he did not think that the objections were 
well taken. Tie thought that the spot could be made beauti- 
ful, and while the atmosphere would be smoky and sooty in 
the vicinity of the railroad at times, the monument was to be 
of bronze and would not show the effects of the state of the 
atmosphere. Then, too, if the monument were properly 
eared for there would be no trouble. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

MASONIC EXERCISES AT THE LAYING OF THE 
CORNER STONE. 

That creed or color proved to be nothing to the people of 
Rochester when they are afforded the opportunity of paying 
homage to the memory of a man who was truly great, was 
demonstrated on the afternoon of July 20, 1898, when hun- 
dreds including many of the city's most prominent citizens, 
assembled at the ceremonies attending the laying of the cor- 
ner stone of the monument to the Hon. Frederick Douglass, 
the greatest and noblest statesman of his race and a former 
Rochesterian. 

The circumstances connected with the raising of a fund 
sufficient to secure a monument in commemoration of the 
man had but served to increase the universal interest of the 
public and to render the realization of the effort put forth of 
greater satisfaction to those of his race who were in attend- 
ance at the ceremonies. These ceremonies, as conducted by 
the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, assisted by the 
members of Eureka Lodge, F. and A. M., of Rochester, were 
most impressive and were admirably arranged by the Doug- 
lass Monument Committee. 

At 3.30 o'clock, Eureka Lodge, accompanied by Estella 
Chapter, No. 7, of the Order of the Eastern Star, the auxil- 
iary organization, assembled at the headquarters of the lodge 
in the Durand building, and, headed by the Fifty-fourth 
Regiment Band, were escorted at 4 o'clock to Douglass Park, 
the new name given to the triangle at the corner of Central 
Avenue and North St. Paul Street, where the monument 
stands. 

There had been built a comfortable and commodious cov- 
ered platform decorated with the national colors and facing 



54 



HISTORY OF THE 



the site of the monument. In addition to the members of the 
Masonic organizations there were seated on the platform Dr. 
E. M. Moore, Hon. John Van Voorhis, Hon. Charles S. 
Baker, Hon. C. R. Parsons, Hon. W. W. Armstrong, Hon. 
George A. Benton, Rev. J. P. Sankey, D. D., Rev. W. 0. 
Gannett, D. D., who pronounced the benediction, Rev. R. 
Alonzo Scott, pastor of A. M. E. Zion Church, Mrs. A. Scott, 
Susan B. Anthony, Mrs. R, Jerome Jeffrey, president of the 
Women's Club, and others. 

In the meantime a vast crowd had gathered in the streets 
to witness the ceremonies, and although the heat was most 
intense, nearly all remained that they might attest their rev- 
erence for the memory of Douglass. After a national air had 
been played by the band, Chairman John W. Thompson, of 
the monument committee, made a brief opening address, in 
which he said that the committee was pleased to witness the 
assembly of so many who had contributed to the fund, and 
that they were privileged to see the consummation of the 
project. 

Grand Marshal M. R. Poole commanded silence and the 
Masonic services were opened by Grand Master E. R. Spauld- 
ing. Prayer was offered by Chaplain Leon J. Dubois, follow- 
ing which was an ode given by the members of Eureka Lodge. 
The list of articles placed in the corner stone was then read 
by Grand Secretary Benjamin Myers, after which the box 
containing them was placed in the stone by Grand Treasurer 
M. L. Hunter. The working tools were presented to the 
grand master by Master Architect William Oscar Payne and 
were distributed among the proper officers. 

Then followed the grand Masonic honors and the conse- 
cration ceremony. The ceremonies, accompanied by sacred 
music, were very impressive and were performed by the 
proper officers in a manner that could only be understood in 
the seeing. Grand Master Spaulding then introduced as the 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 



55 



first speaker the Hon. John Van Voorhis, who spoke as fol- 
lows : 

The citizens of Rochester were proud of Frederick Doug- 
lass, and proud that he made this city his home. Considering 
what he was and what he did for our country and for man- 
kind, he was pre-eminently our first citizen. It is fitting that 
the corner stone of the monument to be erected to his mem- 
ory should be laid under the beautiful rites of Masonry. And 
yet Frederick Douglass was not a Mason. He belonged to no 
orders. Sublimer themes engrossed his whole attention. He 
knew no brotherhood but the universal brotherhood of man. 
He had a mission to perform. That mission was to elevate 
the republic in the eyes of mankind by wiping from it the 
stain of African slavery. That mission was to emancipate, 
millions of slaves. To accomplish that mission he devoted his 
entire time and the energies of his great genius. 

He lived to see that mission successfully accomplished. He 
lived to witness the emancipation of 4,000,000 of slaves. He 
lived to see the stigma of slavery which had attached to this 
republic in the begining entirely destroyed. Monuments of 
bronze and marble may be erected to him here and elsewhere, 
bat his greatest monument will be found in the history of 
his time. As an emancipator he stands by the side of Abra- 
ham Lincoln. It was largely his work that made the emanci- 
pation proclamation possible. He visited every free state, and 
every city and village therein, and spoke from more platforms 
than any other man in our generation. He taught the people 
the wrongs of slavery and prepared them to stand by Lincoln 
when he made his famous proclamation. There is not time 
to do Frederick Douglass justice on this occasion. Many of 
our able men preached against the wrongs of slavery. Among 
them were Freeborn G. Garrison, Wendell Phillips, Charles 
Sumner and Garrett Smith, all great orators, but Douglass 
was the chiefest of them all. 



5G 



HISTORY OF THE 



There was no chance to criticise Douglass except on ac- 
count of his complexion, and educated and cultivated people 
never did that. The prejudice against color does not exist 
in other countries as it does here.' If Frederick Douglass 
had been an Englishman he would have been awarded a niche 
in Westminster Abbey. He was not to be blamed for his 
complexion, the Almighty created him that way. Shakes- 
peare makes the Prince of Morocco, ;i black man. say: 

"Mislike me not for my complexion, 

The shadowy livery of the unburnished sun.-' 

In listening to Frederick Douglas- upon the platform, or 
m private conversation, no one thought of his complexion, 
lie was the most magnificent orator who ever stepped upon 
an American platform. Although not able to read or write 
until twenty years of age, he became a great scholar and han- 
dled the English tongue most admirably. Whenever he was 
to speak crowds were there to hear him. Whenever he would 
stop speaking the crowd was anxious to have him continue. 
He never wearied an audience, but invariably left his audi- 
ence anxious to hear more. 

In private conversation lie was a master, lie always had 
something interesting to say, and said it in a most interesting 
manner. Wherever Douglass went the besl people thronged 
around him and treated him with the greatest courtesy. 
Learned men like Lincoln, Seward, Chase and Sumner were 
proud to meet him. The argument based on complexion had 
no effect with such men. It is only among the ignorant and 
the vulgar that the complexion of Douglass is ever alluded 
to in an unfavorable manner. He was a man of great dignity 
of character. He had the power of talking into submission 
the most unruly audience and the most threatening mob. 

I remember one occasion in our City Hall, Ira Stout had 
been convicted of murder and was awaiting execution. Cer- 
tain kind-hearted people who did not favor capital punish- 




HON. JOHN VAN VOORHIS. 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 5^ 

ment called a meeting at the City Hall with a view to ask the 
governor to commute the sentence of Stout to imprisonment 
for life. The Eev. Samuel J. May, a very eloquent pulpit 
orator from Syracuse, was advertised as the speaker of the 
occasion. When the time arrived, there marched into the 
hall an organized, angry and shouting mob. The mob filled 
the greater part of the hall. When Mr. May rose to speak, 
not a word that he attempted to utter could be heard, so great 
was the noise of the howling mob. Again and again Mr. May 
attempted to speak, but at last gave it up. Other persons 
sought to get the attention of the audience, but were shut 
off by the mob. Frederick Douglass was in the audience, and 
when it was apparent that none of the speakers would be per- 
mitted to speak, he walked deliberately upon the platform, 
stood before the mob for a moment or two, and surveyed it 
calmly. Then, with a voice of power, which none but Doug- 
lass possessed, he began to speak. He talked the mob into 
silence and compelled it to listen to his speech. That is only 
one instance of many occasions where Douglass showed his 
mastery over men who sought to interrupt public meetings. 
The first time I ever saw Douglass was somewhere in the 
forties, probably about '45. I was a boy living with my 
father on his farm in the town of Mendon in this county. It 
was rumored about that Frederick Douglass and Charles 
Lenox Hemond would speak against slavery on a Sunday 
afternoon in the Quaker Church at Mendon Center. It was 
a great novelty, and I with others went to see the per- 
formance. The Hixite Quakers were conservative then. 
and their managers had decided not to allow Douglass to 
enter their church, and to accomplish that result they locked 
up the church and nailed up the gates to the grounds. But 
the younger men of the church — Quakers only by birthright, 
opened the gates, confiscated a lumber yard near by, and 
made a platform on the church grounds with seats for the 



58 HISTORY OF THE 

audience, and upon that platform Douglass and Remond 
spoke to an enormous crowd. I cannot remember ever to 
have heard such denunciation of slavery and its abettors as 
Douglass poured forth to that audience. He paid his respects 
to the Quaker authorities who had denied him free speech by 
locking up the church. It was such an occasion as had never 
been seen at that Quaker church before and never since. 

The impression that I got of Douglass at that time was 
such that I never afterwards failed to go to hear him when 
an opportunity offered. Those who only heard Douglass 
speak in his old age can form no conception of the power of 
his oratory in his earlier years. He was invited to speak 
everywhere, before senators and legislators, before lawyers 
and judges, before scholars and men of learning, before doc- 
tors of divinity and religious organizations, and I believe it 
is a fact that he never in his life made a poor speech. He 
was invited by the assembly of the state of Xew York to give 
an address in the assembly chamber in the presence of the 
Governor, Lieutenant Governor, the judges of the Court of 
Appeals and the members of the state government. The 
chamber was packed to the utmost and the oration was ;i 
great success. Directly in front of Douglass sat that dis- 
tinguished Xew Yorker, Thnrlow Weed, with his hand up 
behind his ear so that he might catch every utterance which 
came from the lips of the orator. 

It mattered not where Douglass went; in England, in 
Scotland and in Ireland he spoke to great audiences with the 
same success. In Ireland he was introduced to an immense 
audience by the then greatest orator of Europe, Daniel 
O'Connell, as the black O'Connell of the United States. 

It is no wonder that the citizens of Rochester meet to 
honor the memory of Frederick Douglass and to erect a 
monument to him. He has honored Rochester as no other 
man has ever done. 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 59 

''The sweet remembrance of the just, 
Shall flourish when he sleeps in dust." 

The next speaker was Dr. E. M. Moore, the venerable 
president of the Park Commission, who, like Mr. Van Voor- 
his, had enjoyed the acquaintance and friendship of Doug- 
lass, and recalled incidents connected with the famous or- 
ator's life that were peculiarly interesting at such a time. 
Dr. Moore said: 

We meet to-day to perform a duty, long since due from 
the citizens of Eochester to one of the striking figures in 
modern American history. Onr great Civil War must ever 
remain as one of the most notable events of all time. I do 
not refer to the stupendous volunteering defense of the conn- 
try, but rather to the emancipation of the slave. It must 
be recollected that it was not merely slavery that was con- 
cerned, slavery in various forms has existed the world over, 
but when of the same race, there have always been modifying 
circumstances. Time usually has softened the asperities of 
the condition, but when we reflect upon the fact that the 
beneficiaries of the emancipation were of another race and 
the furthest removed, the execution of the deed successfully 
was doomed by reasonably conservative men as a pure chi- 
mera. 

The exodns of the Israelite from Egypt has perhaps been 
regarded as the most towering fact of liberation presented by 
history. But the emancipation of the slave in this country is a 
far greater fact of liberation. The servitude of the Ameri- 
can slave had no modification. It was simply perfect. The 
man had no rights that a white man was bound to respect as 
announced by the chief justice of the United States. And 
yet with one bound the slave leaped to the status of his for- 
mer master, his political equal before the law. 

The fact that though fraud may deprive the voter of his 
right, still he is the equal of the white before the law. Among 



00 HISTORY OF THE 

the marked men of the oppressed race was to be seen the 
commanding figure of Frederick Douglass, whose ability re- 
futed the calumnies that flowed from countless lips. In per- 
son, he was of imposing stature, and when in public speech, 
he was urging the claims of his race, his eloquence was lofty 
and fervid. The theme inspired the man. While there were 
many others that brilliantly proved their right to the free- 
dom they plead for, there was perhaps, no one of them that 
stood upon so high a pedestal as he. But in order apparently 
to prove that he could play on more than one string, he ap- 
peared on the rostrum of the lyceum, while the stage still 
held Emerson and Holmes. His lecture on "'William the 
Silent," settled that point. 

I recollect him when a young man. He had just escaped 
from bondage, bright, alert with a hunted look, he came to 
my father's house, one of the stations on "the underground 
railway," for the slave. This was the era of the fugitive 
slave law urged and signed by Vice President Fillmore, 
which, perhaps the greatest statesman that the country has 
ever produced, received with exultation as a sort of finale. 
"Now is the winter of our discontent, made glorious summer 
by the son of York." 

But great movements are not checked by unjust laws or 
quotations from Shakespeare. To-day we commemorate the 
ability and worth of this truly great man. We raise a mon- 
ument of imperishable bronze and place it here in the flowing 
tide of commerce where the stranger that enters our gates 
may see in what a permanent way we have honored our 
slaves. 

The exercises closed with the singing of "America" by the 
audience and benediction by Dr. W. C. Gannett. 

The trowel used by Grand Master E. R. Spaulding was a 
handsome silver one with an ivory handle and was presented 
to Mr. Spaulding by the members of Eureka Lodge, No. 36, 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. gl 

F. and A. M., at a meeting held the night before. The pres- 
entation speech was made by Benjamin Simms and responded 
to by the grand master. 

Among the articles which were placed in the corner stone 
were two leaflets furnished by Susan B. Anthony, one of 
which was eminently fitted to so repose, being a copv of the 
declaration of sentiments expressed at the first convention 
ever called to discuss the civil and political rights of women. 
This convention was held in Seneca Falls, and during the sec- 
ond day, which by a remarkable coincidence was just fifty 
years ago, July 20, 1848, a resolution was adopted urging the 
elective franchise for women, which was signed by Douglass. 
The other was a copy of an article written by Miss Anthony 
last year for the Arena, giving in brief what has been accom- 
plished for the enfranchising of women, since the memorable 
convention alluded to. The other articles placed in the stone 
were : 

Road map of Monroe county; calendar for 1898; book, 
"Slavery Unmasked," by Rev. Philo Tower, published by E. 
Darrow & Bro., in 1856, and donated by Mr. Darrow; list of 
those who assisted at laying of the corner stone; members of 
the Literary, Musical and Home Circle, of Toronto, Ont.; 
letter donating $1,000 from the government of Hayti, and 
note from Minister W. F. Powell, accepting the gift; names 
of members of the monument committee appointed Novem- 
ber 20, 1804, and names of members afterwards appointed; 
resolutions of committee; notes of women's clubs, Rochester; 
record of the Mt. Moriah Lodge, F. and A. M. ; copies of the 
Posl Express, Democrat and Chronicle, Herald, Union and 
Advertiser, and Rochester Times. 



CHAPTER IX. 

CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN MR, THOMPSON 
AND THE HAYTTEN GOVERNMENT. 

Rochester, N. Y., October 11, 1897. 
Hon. W. E. Powell, Legation of the United States, Port An 

Prince, Hayti: 

My Dear Sir — I am a stranger to yon. I desire to in- 
troduce myself by saying that I am engaged at this time in 
trving to raise fund? for the purpose of erecting a monument 
in this city in memory of the late Frederick Douglass, as you 
will see by the enclosed clippings. I write you asking that 
you use your influence with President Sam in regard to the 
matter as I have also written to him to-day asking a con- 
tribution from his government because Mr. Douglass was at 
one time Minister, representing this government at Port-au- 
Prince. He also represented the government of Hayti at the 
World's Fair at Chicago. He was indeed faithful to his 
trust. Anything you can do to help along the project will 
be greatly appreciated by me. 

Yours very truly, 

JOHN W. THOMPSON. 



In answer to Mr. Thompson's first letter to Hon. W. F. 
Powell the following was received : 

Legation of the United States, 
Port-au-Prince, Hayti, December 15, 1897. 
Mr. John W. Thompson, Rochester, N. Y. : 

Sir — Your favor of November 27 reached me in this mail, 
in which you request that I shall do all in my power to get 
Hayti represented in the contribution of funds for the pur- 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. (53 

pose of erecting a monument to commemorate the deeds and 
virtues of the Hon. Frederick Douglass, at one time minister 
resident and consul-general to this republic. My instructions 
are of such a character that I cannot comply with the request 
you have made to me, but whatever I can do in an unofficial 
way I will be glad to do. With you I think too much honor 
cannot be done to the dead hero, whose name should not only 
be imbedded in the marble monument you propose to erect, 
but should be enshrined in the hearts of not only this, but of 
future generations. 

Each child should be taught from its infancy until it has 
gained the estate of manhood or womanhood of the great 
virtues possessed by the lamented Douglass. We, as a race ; 
are prone too often to forget those who have been the ex- 
ponents of that race in the past. Unless such love is engen- 
dered on the part of the living to the dead, our pride of race 
will soon be extinct. 

I cheerfully wish you success in this great and grand move- 
ment on your part toward the illustrious dead. As I have al- 
ready stated, in an unofficial way my services are at your 
command. I have the honor to remain. 

Your obedient servant, 

W. F. POWELL. 



J. W. Thompson made this reply to Mr. Powell's letter of 
December 15, 1897: 

Rochester, N. Y., December 15, 1897. 
Hon. W. F. Powell, Legation of the United States, Hayti: 

My Dear Sir — I am truly grateful to you for the prompt 
attention given my letter. I regret that your instructions are 
of such a character as to make you unable to act in an official 
way. You can doubtless do much, however, in an unofficial 
way which might bring about some good results. I am glad 
you appreciate my efforts to erect a monument in memory 



64 



HISTORY OF THE 



of the hero of our race and one who we can say that this 
country is better because he lived in it and our city is much 
the richer because his remains rest within its walls, and his 
monument though silent shall be magnificent and an inspira- 
tion to generations yet unborn. Do the best you can and re- 
member nothing would be more pleasing to me than to have 
Hayti represented by a contribution to this fund. 

Yours very truly, 

JOHN W. THOMPSON. 



Hon. Brutus St. Victor's note to Hon. W. F. Powell, noti- 
fying him of the contribution to the M ounment Fund, was as 
follows : 

Department of State for Foreign Relations, 

Port-au-Prince, February 11, 1898. 
Mr. Minister — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt 
of your letter of January 20 last, by which yon have trans- 
mitted to me a copy of the one you received from Mr. John 
W. Thompson, relative to the project for the erection of a 
monument to the Honorable Frederick Douglass, who was 
Minister Resident of the United States to Hayti, at the same 
time von make an appeal for that object to all the admirers 
of that great American citizen of the same race as he. 

I had at heart, Mr. Minister, to submit the project to the 
Council of Secretaries of State, under the presidence of His 
Excellency the President of the Republic, and I am happy to 
announce to you that the government associating itself to the 
thoughts of those who have had the initiative and wishing to 
contribute towards its realization, takes part in the sub- 
scription opened for the sum of one thousand dollars. 

Please accept, Mr. Minister, the assurances of my high 
consideration. 

BRUTUS ST. VICTOR. 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 



65 



Hon. W. F! Powell's acknowledgement of the contribution, 
was as follows: 

Legation of the United States, 
Port-au-Prince, Hayti, March 21, 1898. 
Honorable Brutus St. Victor, Secretary of State for Foreign 

Affairs, Port-au-Prince, Hayti: 

Sir — I note with pleasure your dispatch of March 5, 1898, 
that your government has directed you to inform me that it 
desires to be commemorated in the monument about to be 
erected by the citizens of the United States, in the city of 
Rochester, 1ST. Y., a monument of one of the ablest of Amer- 
ica's sons, Frederick Douglass, one whose voice was ever 
raised in behalf of the oppressed not only of his own race, 
but that of others of other climes. He claimed for that race 
with which he was identified, that if equal advantage be 
given it in the race of life, it would achieve equally great re- 
sults, as a proof of this, it was his pride to point to the great 
results obtained by your Republic under the most adverse 
circumstances, from the day that you won your independ- 
ence from one of the great nations of the world to the present 
time. That under all difficulties that have since beset you, 
isolated as it were from the great family of nations, you have 
maintained your integrity, and with it the honor of your Re- 
public, neither of which have become tarnished or diminished 
by age, until to-day you stand as the recognized factor of 
what a race can achieve under the blissful light of freedom, 
of independence. 

The last days of his life, he often referred to the happy 
hours he passed in your midst as the representative of a gov- 
ernment that at one time denied to him and the members of 
his race the common attributes pertaining to man. 

Permit me, sir, to express to you in behalf of Mr. Thomp- 
son, and the committee associated with him, and to yon, Mr. 



66 



HISTORY OF THE 



Minister, personally, their thanks as well as my own for this 
grateful act to this illustrious American citizen. 

Accept, Mr. Minister, my high regard and personal esteem, 
I have the honor to be, sir, 

your obedient servant, 

AY F. POWELL. 



March 29 Mr. Thompson received the following: 

Legation of the United. States, 
Port-au-Prince, Hayti, March 21, 1898. 
Mr. J. W. Thompson, Chairman Douglas* Monument Fund, 

Rochester, K Y. : 

Sir — I am happy to inform you that the Haytien govern- 
ment has contributed to the monument fund to the memory 
of the late Frederick Douglass the sum of $1,000. This sum 
I will send to you by draft upon the return of the Foreign 
Secretary. If you have this correspondence published have 
the same also inserted in some of our race papers, as the 
"Age," or the "Colored American." Be kind enough to send 
two or three copies of the same to hand to members of the 
Cabinet. At the same time will you also send me a copy of 
paper that contained my reply to your previous letter. I am 
very glad, sir, this amount has been secured and congratulate 
you upon the same and a speedy erection of the monument, 
and with it a happy conclusion of your labor and that of the 
committe associated with you. 

I am, sir, 

Your obedient servant, 

W. F. POWELL. 



Legation of the United States, 
Port-au-Prince, Hayti, April 13, 1898. 
Hon. John Sherman, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C: 
Sir — I respectfully inform the department that this re- 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 



67 



public has donated the sum of one thousand dollars towards 
the erection of a monument by the citizens of Rochester in 
that city, to the memory of the late Hon. Frederick Doug- 
lass, at one time Minister Resident and Consul-General here. 

I inclose copies of correspondence that has taken place be- 
tween the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and the Legation. 

I have the honor, sir, etc., etc., 

W. F. POWELL. 



Legation of the United States, 
Port-au-Prince, Hayti, August 15, 1898. 
Mr. J. W. Thompson, Chairman Douglass Monument Fund, 
Rochester, N. Y. 

Sir — I have sent by this mail to the State Department, 
"Washington, the promised draft from the Haytien govern- 
ment. I will endeavor to send also photograph of Cabinet 
by this mail. I trust your imposing exercises in unveiling the 
monument of the illustrious Douglass will be crowned with 
success. Respectfully yours, 

W. F. POWELL. 



Department of State, 
Washington, April 29, 1898. 
His Honor, the Mayor of Rochester, N. Y. : 

Sir — I enclose for the information of the citizens of Roch- 
ester copy of a dispatch from our Minister to Hayti, report- 
ing that that Republic has donated one thousand dollars 
toward the erection of a monument in your city to the late 
Frederick Douglass, at one time Minister Resident and Con- 
sul General to Hayti. 

Respectfully yours, 
J. B. MOORE, 

Acting Secretary. 



68 



HISTORY OF THE 



Department of State, 
Washington, August 31, 1898. 
J. W. Thompson, Esquire, Chairman Douglass Monument 
Committee: 

Sir — Referring to the Department's letter of April 29 last: 
to the Mayor of Rochester, and by him referred to your com- 
mittee, whereby the information was conveyed that the gov- 
ernment of the Republic of Hayti would donate the sum of 
$1,000.00 towards the erection at Rochester of a monument 
in commemoration of the late Frederick Douglass, I have 
now to enclose, as Hayti's contribution to the above object, 
a draft, No. 2,515, for $990.10, United States currency, 
drawn by Ch. Weymann & Company, Port-au-Prince, Au- 
gust 22, 1898, on Messrs. Lyon & Company, New York, to 
the order of the Secretary of State, Washington, and by me 
endorsed to the order of the Douglass Monument Committee, 
Rochester, N. Y., which draft was handed by the Minister 
for Foreign Affairs of Hayti to the Minister of the United 
States at. Port-au-Prince and was by the latter forwarded to 
this Department. 

I shall be pleased to have you acknowledge its receipt. 

Respectfully yours, 

J. B. MOORE, 
Acting Secretary. 



J. W. Thompson tendered thanks to the government of 
Hayti, and received the following from Washington: 

Department of State, 
Washington, September 7, 1898. 
John W. Thompson, Esquire, Chairman of the Douglass 
Monument Committee : 

Sir — I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 
the 3d instant, expressing gratitude for the donation made by 
the Havtien government to the Douglass monument fund. 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. QQ 

A copy of your letter has been forwarded to our Legation 
at Port-au-Prince. Respectfully yours, 

J. B. MOORE, 

Acting Secretary. 



Department of State, 
Washington, May 18, 1898. 

John W. Thompson, Esquire, Rochester, !N\ Y.: 

Sir — In compliance with the request contained in your 
letter of the 16th instant, our Minister at Port-au-Prince has 
been instructed to present to the Haytien Foreign Office the 
thanks of the Frederick Douglass Monument Committee for 
the donation made by the government of Hayti to the erec- 
tion of the monument to Mr. Douglass. 

Respectfully yours, 

J. B. MOORE, 
Assistant Secretary. 



Department of State, 
Washington, July 12, 1898. 
J. W. Thompson, Esquire, Chairman, Douglass Monument 
Committee, Rochester, IsT. Y. : 

Sir — I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 
the 7th instant asking that the United States Minister to 
Hayti be informed that the Douglass monument is to be un- 
v< iled on the 14th of September in your city and that he be 
requested to extend an invitation to the President and mem- 
bers of the Cabinet of Hayti to be present. 

Copy of your letter has been transmitted to Mr. Powell 
with instructions to communicate the contents to the Haytien 
government. Respectfully yours, 

J. B. MOORE, 

Acting Secretary. 



70 HISTORY OF THE 

Department of State, 
Washington, August 17, 1898. 
J. W. Thompson, Esquire, Chairman Douglass Monument 
Committee, Rochester, N. Y. : 

Sir — Referring to your letter of the 7th ultimo, and to 
the Department's reply of the 12th ultimo, I have now to 
inform you that our Minister at Port-au-Prince reports to 
the Department, under date of the 1st instant, that Mr. J. 
]ST. Leger, the Minister of Hayti at this capital, will repre- 
sent the President of Hayti and his Cabinet at the unveiling 
of the Douglass monument at Rochester, N. Y. 

Respectfully yours, 
J. B. MOORE, 

Acting Secretary. 



CHAPTER X. 

MUSICAL AND LITERARY ENTERTAINMENT AND 
DOUGLASS BIRTHDAY EXERCISES. 

A pleasing literary and musical entertainment was given 
in Unitarian Church, May 11, 1898, for the benefit of the 
Douglass monument fund. 

"Frederick Douglass" was the subject of an address by 
Mr. James M. E. O'Grady. He briefly but vividly and com- 
prehensively sketched the life of the noted orator and emanci- 
pator, from its beginning as a slave on a Southern plantation 
to its peaceful conclusion in the Nation's capital. In conclud- 
ing Mr. O'Grady said: 

"In summing up the career of Frederick Douglass, one is 
at a loss to select the capacity in which he excelled. He was 
great as an orator, as a writer, as a debator, and as an admin- 
istrator of business affairs. As an orator he ranks in the first- 
class. Those who once heard him can never forget him. The 
impression left upon his hearers was indelible. His splendid 
personal appearance, his magnificent head, his graceful and 
appropriate gestures, his voice, sweet, low, persuasive, harsh, 
forbidding, sonorous or clarion-like, swayed his hearers at his 
sweet will. It is true that his greatest effect was upon his 
immediate hearers, and these he could move to laughter or 
to tears at his pleasure. He had great logic, deep sarcasm 
and inimitable wit. 

"I well remember the impression made upon me upon the 
last occasion upon which I heard Douglass in Rochester. It 
was at an open air meeting held in Franklin Square, to cele- 
brate Memorial Day. The sun shone brightly through the 
newly leafed trees upon an immense throng that almost com- 
pletely filled the inclosure. On a stand in the center of the 
park stood the orator. He was then between 65 and 70 years 
of age, robust, rugged, and in the fullness of his manly 



72 HISTORY OF THE 

strength. For upwards of an hour he spoke most eloquently, 
holding the absolute attention of his hearers, and profoundly 
moving them with the pathos and patriotism of his utter- 
ances. To speak to and hold the attention of an audience in 
the open air is the greatest test to which a public speaker can 
be put; and I know of no man who could excel Douglass in 
this power. 

"Many people rank Douglass higher as a writer than an 
orator, and believe that his work in this line will live longest. 
He was indefatigable as a worker. He entered in news- 
papers and did all the drudgery connected therewith in the 
early days. He cultivated a pure and graceful style, and the 
volume and felicity of his expression is really amazing to one 
who knows his history. He read far and wide, and was a 
hard student. He was a self-made man in every sense. He 
illustrated another exception in that he demonstrated the 
fact that it is not always necessary for a man to be a college 
graduate to succeed in literary life. Although university 
education was wanting to him, he made up for it by intense 
application to the work of college men. He never believed 
his education was finished, but was a student until the day of 
his death. 

"To an American the lesson of this man's life can never 
be lost. To rise from the lowliest and most hopeless con- 
dition to a position of great power among the rulers of the 
nation, by one's own personal efforts, is possible only in the 
great republic founded upon the equality of all men before 
the law. And when the example is that of a member of a 
down trodden race, lifting himself from absolute human 
slavery and bondage, by self education and self effort, and 
against the greatest odds, to a point where he becomes the 
chosen constitutional instrument to receive and record the 
vote of the greatest state of the Union for the highest office 
•of the nation, and the chosen representative of that nation 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 73 

in the making of its treaty with, a foreign country, how 
directly does it come home to us that our country is founded 
upon the very rock of human liberty. Truly will the work 
of this man live after him. 

"His race can always point to him as a star of the first mag- 
nitude. What he was others within human limitation may 
become. His oratorical ability may be impossible of accom- 
plishment, because they were God-given gifts; but the sweet- 
ness of his disposition, the uprightness of his character, his 
high sense of honor, and his honesty and integrity can be 
attained of all men. Not only his own race may profit by his 
example; all men, of whatever race or creed or color, can 
point to him with pride, as one of the noblest examples of 
human endeavor, to be emulated as long as the human char- 
acter tends upwards towards the highest ideals." 

DOUGLASS BIRTHDAY EXERCISES. 

Douglass birthday exercises were held at Plymouth Church, 
February 15, 1897, under the management of the Woman's 
Club, to commemorate the birthday anniversary of the fore- 
most representative of the colored race. The object of this 
meeting was twofold: To preserve the memory and eulogize 
the life of Douglass and to further the project for erecting a 
monument to him. 

Plymouth Congregational Church threw open its doors to 
such a meeting; and the spacious edifice was thronged. Every 
seat was taken and extra chairs were brought in and utilized 
in all available spaces. There were many colored people in 
the audience ; and seated side by side with them were some of 
the representative citizens of Rochester. 

Over the pew formerly occupied by Douglass and his fam- 
ily were emblematic decorations; and immediately in front of 
the pnlpit was a large portrait of the man to whose memory 
nearly two thousand citizens of "Rochester were assembled to 
do honor and reverence. 



74 HISTORY OF THE 

Susan B. Anthony presided, in itself an honor to the occa- 
sion. On her left was seated Rev. Anna Shaw, who had 
come on to Rochester to spend her fiftieth birthday with Miss 
Anthony, who to-day celebrates her seventy-seventh birthday 
anniversary. On Miss Anthony's right sat Mrs. Victoria 
Earle Mathews, who represents the National Association of 
Colored Women in the movement for the erection of a mon- 
ument to Frederick Douglass. Others on the pulpit plat- 
form were Rev. William F. Kettle, pastor of Plymouth 
Church, and Mrs. R. J. Jeffrey, president of the local Col- 
ored Woman's Club. 

In opening the meeting Miss Anthony said: 

"I am very happy to be here to-night in Plymouth Church, 
not only because it is the church which Frederick Douglass 
and the members of his family attended, but because it is the 
church which my elder sister and my brother-in-law attended 
for many years; and as I used sometimes to accompany them 
I feel that I am not altogether a stranger in Plymouth 
Church. 

"I think there is no one who remembers that magnificent 
figure of Frederick Douglass but cherishes the memory of 
one whom they estimated to be at least a very marked figure 
in their presence ; a man who, if he had not had the taint of 
slavery in his veins, would have taken the very highest place 
as an orator and as a statesman in this city and in this coun- 
try. 

"J never shall forget what was said by him that night when 
the news reached us that Lincoln had been murdered. There 
was a meeting in City Hall. There were speeches by prom- 
inent men, ministers, the president of the University and 
others. None felt that the very soul of the matter had been 
touched, however, till someone called for Douglass. He 
made a speech that thrilled the heart and stirred the soul 
of every listener. But because of the taint of slavery that 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 75 

brooded down upon him lie bad never before been recognized 
among his fellow men and women, until that night." 

Later in the meeting Miss Anthony mentioned the names 
of the following Rochesterians among the few who in those 
days accorded Douglass the friendship due him as a man and 
a fellow human being: Amy Post, Ida Post, Miss Maria 
Porter, her brother, Samuel Porter. 

Miss Anthony stated that when she promised to preside at 
the meeting she at once wrote to Elizabeth Cady Stanton, 
of the following Rochesi erians among the few who in those 
assembled. Mrs. Stanton was a staunch friend of Douglass, 
who had championed the cause of equal suffrage for her in 
the first woman's political convention, called in Seneca Falls, 
July 19, 1848, winning a majority vote for Mrs. Stanton's 
proposition that the right of franchise was the first right 
of every individual from an assembly that had at first been 
opposed to it. Mrs. Stanton's reply, which was read by Miss 
Anthony, was as follows: 

26 West Sixty-first Street, 

New York, Feb. 13, 1897. 

Dear Miss Anthony: For noble Frederick Douglass I 
have varied memories; sad for all he suffered from cruel 
prejudices against his race and the insults to his proud 
nature- and pleasant for the tender love and friendship of 
his noble soul. I love him as he loved me, for the indignities 
we alike endured. I am happy to learn that the people of 
Rochester, who would never treat him as a social equal when 
living, purpose to build a monument to his memory at last. 

On a visit once at Peterboro, Douglass came there, too. 
Some Southern women guests wrote a note to Mr. Smith to 
know "if Douglass would sit in the parlor and at the dining 
table; if so they would remain in their rooms." My cousin 
replied: "Certainly, he will. I feel honored to have the 
greatest man that ever graduated from the 'Southern Insti- 



>}-g HISTORY OF THE 

tution' under ray roof." When Douglass arrived. Cousin 
Gerrit met him with open arms and kissed him on either 
cheek. He stayed with us two weeks, and all that time the 
two ladies took their meals in their apartments, while the 
rest of us walked about the grounds, sat under the trees, 
played games and sang songs with Douglass, he playing the 
accompaniment on the guitar. Our ladies, in their solitude, 
no doubt often regretted that they were voluntary exiles 
from nil our enjoyments. 

I met Douglass for the last time in Paris, when he and his 
wife dined with my son Theodore. On parting he said: 
"You have been denied the rights of an American citizen be- 
cause of your sex, I because of my color ! I hope we shall 
stand on equal ground with the angels in heaven !" "Alas !" 
said I, "we better not be too sure of that; earthly prejudices 
die hard. There may be those who will write Peter a note 
to know if you and I are to be there — and if so they will take 
tin ir meals in their own apartments !" How hateful any 
prejudice looks in retrospection ! I am thankful I never had 
but one, and that one I have sedulously cultivated year by 
year. When I reach heaven I shall write a note to Peter 
to know if there are any religious bigots there — and if so 
to request them to stay in their own apartments, leaving the 
negroes, women, infidels, Socialists, Jews, Chinese and In- 
dians free to roam whithersoever they will. 

When in Paris, my son took Douglass to the Chamber of 
Deputies and introduced him to the member who had ban- 
ished slavery from all the French colonies. His name I can- 
not recall. He is always spoken of as the William Lloyd 
Garrison of the Chamber. When he met Douglass, he, too 
threw his arms about him and kissed him on either cheek. 
"Ah !" said he, "you are the one American above all others I 
have longed to see !" Think of such a man born a slave in 
this republic ! A political nonentity, a social pariah ! in- 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 77 

ferior in position to all ignorant white men and women ! 
Then think of seventy-five years in such an atmosphere ! It 
is a depressing thought to estimate his feelings; but infinitely 
worse to have been one of the number who helped thus to 
degrade a man. I never felt more deeply this hateful preju- 
dice of color than when witnessing in an Episcopal church the 
administering of the communion: After a succession of 
white men and women had knelt at the altar, a splendid black 
man, who, dressed in new livery, looked like an African 
prince, so stately was his carriage as he walked up the aisle 
and knelt alone to receive the communion. A little white 
child under his care slowly followed and seated herself beside 
him. When the service ended, hand in hand they walked 
back to the negro pew ! He was a man of unblemished vir- 
tue, respected by the whole community, loved and honored 
bv the family he served; yet no Christian could celebrate 
the last supper in memory of Jesus by his side ! 

I sincerely wish the monument Rochester proposes to build 
in honor of Douglass might be a schoolhouse or a tenement 
for the poor. It seems a pity to raise so many useless shafts 
of marble and granite, while the homes of the poor, the 
schools and prisons are so overcrowded ! 

With best wishes to all assembled, and for many public 
honors to Frederick Douglass, an eloquent orator, a faithful 
friend and a lover of justice, liberty and equality for all man- 
kind ! No Parian marble too pure for his monument ; no 
garlands too beautiful for his shrine ! 
With sincere love, 

ELIZABETH OADY STANTON. 

Applause greeted the reading of Mrs. Stanton's letter; and 
then Miss Anthony introduced as the speaker of the evening, 
Mrs. Victoria Earle Mathews, representing the National As- 
sociation of Women, who made a tour through the country 
in the interests of the women of her race 



yg HISTORY OP THE 

In presenting Mrs. Mathews the chairman told how, 
upon being introduced to her at the Unitarian Church 
the day before she had asked: "Mrs. Mathews, is it 
possible there is a drop of black blood in your veins?'' "I 
tell you I was born a slave," was Mrs. Mathews' reply. 
"What were we thinking of," exclaimed Miss Anthony, 
when fathers sold their own sons and daughters on the auc- 
tion block and counted them merely as so much goods and 
chattels !" 

Mrs. V. E. Mathews expressed some embarrassment in ad- 
dressing so large an audience, saying that nothing but the 
seriousness of her cause could prompt her to stand as a 
speaker upon the platform with Miss Susan B. Anthony and 
Miss Anna Shaw and attempt to address so large an audience. 

After stating that she was the representative of a Na- 
tional movement of women of her race Mrs. Mathews drew a 
vivid picture of the condition of the mothers and young girls 
in the South, as they flock to the cities from the plantations 
and find their way to the slums. "What is being done for 
them" she asked. "What is to be done for them? Have 
you ever stopped to think of the seriousness of this ques- 
tion?" 

Turning to a consideration of the proposed monument to 
the memory of Frederick Douglass the speaker took issue 
with Mrs. Stanton's suggestion of a utilitarian memorial, 
speaking in part as follows: 

"Ours is a communion of tears. We know that our chil- 
dren are naked and ignorant and in need of schools; we 
know that there is great need of rescue and relief of homes; 
we do not underestimate the value of education; but as 
mothers we see the destiny and ambition of our children 
hanging in the balance, but as to a monument in memory of 
Frederick Douglass the colored people have one to whom 
they can point as an example, an incentive, to their children. 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 79 

When it is known that worth and not power will be honored 
it will indeed stimulate a higher type of the youth of our 
race." 

Rev. Anna Shaw beamed with enthusiasm as she rose to 
deliver the final address of the evening. She was glad that 
Mrs. Mathews, with her white face, still belonged to the 
African race. And the speaker expressed regret that she 
too had not a drop of black blood in her veins, so that she 
might take her sister by the hand and say: "I, too, am of 
your people." 

Miss Shaw agreed with Mrs. Mathews on the monument 
question, saying: 

"It is seldom that Mrs. Stanton makes a mistake; but she 
did so there, when she allowed her love of the utilitarian to 
prompt her to suggest a schoolhouse or a tenement house 
for a monument to the memory of Frederick Douglass. 
This monument is to be for the American people, to recall 
to them the greatness of this man, who was born a slave, 
but who lived to take his place among the noblest of human 
kind. The one thing we need is more monuments, not 
fewer. 

"No, let him stand, magnificent in bronze, where people 
can see that wonderful, that collossal figure of him who, 
born a slave yet lived to die one of the foremost men in one 
of the foremost nations of the world; one at whose bier 
statesmen stood in silent reverence; one who lived the life 
of a man; born a slave, but not enslaved; one who stood firm 
for the principle of universal liberty, who recognized the 
great law of universal freedom ; one who recognized that one 
only is our Father, even God, and that we are all brethren. 

"Rochester will never have the opportunity to honor her- 
self as she will have it in helping the colored citizens to erect 
a monument not only for Frederick Douglass and his race, 
but for nil the American people." 



g() HISTORY OF THE 

Miss Susan B. Anthony then announced that a collection 
would be taken, the proceeds to he devoted to the Douglass 
Memorial "Fund. Her apt" and pointed eloquence in this line 
was not without its effect. 




ENOCH R. SPAI'LDING 



CHAPTER XI. 

UNVEILING EXERCISES AND DISAPPOINTMENT 
AT NON-ARRIVAL OF STATUE. 

The Chairman of the committee fixed the date for the un- 
veiling exercises, September 14th, according to the follow- 
ing from the agent of the Smith Granite Company, Wester- 

^ R L: Utica, N. Y., April 5, 1898. 

John W. Thompson, Chairman Committee of Douglass Me- 
morial, Rochester, N. Y. : 

Dear Mr. Thompson: Yours received. I presume with- 
out doubt, that our sculptor is in Washington, although the 
company have not notified me. There will be no doubt 
about getting the statue ready by August 2d. The monu- 
ment is a small matter as it is all done now except the panels. 
I inclose plan of the lettering which shows its location on 
the die. These all have to be cast in plaster and then in 
bronze. 

Kindly see that they are correct in every particular and 
return to me as soon as possible and I will forward to 
Westerly. I am, Mr. Thompson, 

Yours very sincerely, 
(Dictated) G. W. SANBORN. 

All arrangements for the unveiling exercises were complet- 
ed and invitations to the family had been sent, and accepted, 
and these were present: Mrs. Helen Douglass, Mrs. Rosa 
Douglass Sprague, Miss F. Douglass Sprague, Messrs. 
Charles R. Douglass, Lewis H. Douglass and Joseph H. 
Douglass, grandsons of Fredrick Douglass, with many other 
persons of note, from many sections of the country. 

Tt wa« not known until the afternoon of September 12th 
that the statue would not be in the city for unveiling. 



82 HISTORY OF THE 

After writing and telegraphing for some days the fol- 
lowing were received: 

Utica, K Y., September 12, 1898. 
John W. Thompson. Rochester, 1ST. Y. : 

Am writing to Westerly to find out about statue. 

G. W. SAISTBORK 

The same day this was received by the Chairman: 

Westerly, R. I., September 12th. 
John W. Thompson: 

Douglass statue cannot be shipped from Philadelphia until 
26th. See letter. 

SMITH GRANITE COMPANY. 

On receiving the news the feeling of disappointment can- 
not be described. Charles R. Douglass, who had gone to 
Brockport to visit friends after reading of the disappoint- 
ment in the newspapers, called up Chairman Thompson over 
the telephone and advised him to go on with the exercises 
which he did. 

At 2 o'clock, September 14, 1898, nearly three thousand 
people assembled in Fitzhugh Hall to pay honor to the mem- 
ory of Douglass. 

The contractors who were to model and cast the bronze 
statue of Frederick Douglass failed to have the statue in 
the city. The unveiling ceremonies did not take place in 
the morning, but the exercises attending the presentation 
of the monument to the city were held in the afternoon and 
( vening at Fitzhugh Mall, addresses being delivered by prom- 
inent orators, the monument being formally accepted in be- 
half of the city by Mayor Warner. The audience, which al- 
most entirely filled the hall. Was composed of some of Roch- 
ester's foremost citizens, the representatives of both races 
being about evenly divided. Upon the platform were sear- 
ed, beside the/ general committee and the speakers, members 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 33 

of the Park Board and Common Council, prominent residents 
and representatives of the old abolitionist families of the 
city. The interest of all present was held until the end. 

Born in obscurity, forced to endure the tutelage of slav- 
ery, within sight and sound of the ceaseless service our na- 
tion offered up to liberty, breaking the bonds of his slavery 
and mastering all the arts of civilization, of intellectual de- 
velopment, of high manhood, working with the energy of a 
Titan for the freed of his fellow serfs, and finding time to 
plead for the rights of women, suffering untold indignities, 
fleeing before the agents of a nation that stood for the rights 
of men and religions, and triumphing at last until his name 
and fame were honored in the land, Frederick Douglass was 
the grand disciple of an oppressed race. 

And so, September 14th, in the full light of the end of 
the century's humanity, in the glow of a nation's victory for 
the cause of manhood, in the city where he found a haven 
when the clouds were darkest, the name of Frederick Doug- 
lass was honored, not alone by men of his race, who showed in 
their intellectual powers the fruits of the rights for which the 
great freedman strove, but also by prominent public men, 
who in the years past had fought the fight against prejudice, 
and had even taken up arms against their brothers to defend 
the helpless slaves. 

It was the prophecy of Wendell Phillips come true. The 
name of the slave was printed in the great sunlight of truth, 
the name of the man, who, with the matchless orator and 
Garrison, the sturdy newspaper man, were the first aposlle- 
i-l' liberty. 

THE EXERCISES AT FITZHUGH HALL. 

The city of "Rochester again took pride in honoring the 
name of Frederick Douglass. After months of arduous 
work, the committee having in charge the matter of the 
erection of a monument to his memory was able to report 



§4 HISTORY OF THE 

the work completed, although even at the last unavoidable 
circumstances prevented the unveiling of the monument it- 
self. This fact, nevertheless, did not detract from the inter- 
est or significance of the memorial exercises which were 
held in Fitzhugh Hall. 

Among the prominent persons who were present at the 
exercises were Miss Susan B. Anthony; T. Thomas Fortune, 
of New York, editor of The Age; John H. Smyth, of Vir- 
ginia, ex-minister to Liberia; Hon. John 0. Dancy, collector 
of customs of the port of Wilmington, N. C; Chris. J. 
Perry, editor of the Philadelphia Tribune; Miss Mary An- 
thony, Hon. Arthur E. Sutherland, Judge George A. Be?i- 
ton, Mayor George E. Warner, Mrs. Jean Brooks Greenleaf, 
1 )r. E. M. Moore, Bishop Alexander Walters, D. D., James 
2sT. Neib. editor of a prominent journal in Philadelphia, and 
all of the surviving members of the family of Frederick 
Douglass, including his children and grandchildren. 

WHY THE STATUE WAS NOT UNVEILED. 

It was the intention of the committee to have the statue 
of Douglass in the city and placed for the unveiling, but 
Chairman Thompson presented the following letter to ex- 
plain why the ceremony was postponed: 

Westerly, R. I., Sept. 12, 1898. 
J. W. Thompson, Esq., Rochester, N. Y.: 

Dear Sir: After receiving your telegram on the 9th we 
telegraphed to Philadelphia for the earliest date, and re- 
ceived reply that they would ship the statue on the 26th. 
We wrote them, asking them to hurry it and ship it as much 
earlier than the 26th as they possibly could. 

You doubtless know that we had delays in Washington, 
caused by our Mr. Edwards being unable to obtain the as- 
sistance he required, which has put us behind just the num- 
ber of days to complete the statue on time. A letter to this 
effect was dictated to you on the 9th, but by an oversight 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 



85 



on the part of the stenographer it was not written. We 
are very sorry, both for the statue not being completed on 
time and for our letter failing to go on the 9th, which would 
have explained matters to you before this time. 
Yours respectfullv, 

THE SMITH GRANITE CO. 
J. R. Randal], Secretary. 

COMMENCING OF THE EXERCISES. 

The memorial meeting was called to order at 2:30 o'clock 
by Chairman J. W. Thompson, of the monument commit- 
tee. He gave a cordial invitation to all friends of Douglass, 
any Grand Army men who might be present, and all city 
officials, to occupy seats on the platform, an invitation which 
was supplemented by Miss Susan B. Anthony, who said thai 
every old-time abolitionist ought to be proud to take a seal 
on the platform where exercises in honor of a man who 
stood not only for the freedom of his race, but also for the 
emancipation of women, were being held. A number 
availed themselves of the invitation. 

The exercises were opened with music by an orchestra 
from the Fifty-fourth Regiment Band, which played a med- 
ley of patriotic airs. Following this a forceful and eloquent 
prayer was offered by Bishop Alexander Walters, D. D. J. 
W. Thompson then briefly explained the circumstances which 
had prevented the ceremony of unveiling the monument and 
then introduced the Rev. Alonzo Scott, pastor of Zion 
Church, who sang "His Name Shall Live Forever," com- 
posed by himself for the occasion. He was accompanied by 
a chorus of forty voices under the direction of Mrs. R. 
Jerome Jeffrey. 

POEM BY MR. T. THOMAS FORTUNE. 

In introducing T. Thomas Fortune, of New York, editor 
of The Age, one of the leading papers published in the in* 



86 HISTORY OF THE 

terest of his race. Mr. Thompson paid a fitting tribute to his 
abilities and his earnest efforts to secure the erection of the 
monument. Mr. Fortune read an original poem, entitled, 
"Frederick Douglass/' The poem follows: 

We cannot measure here the dizzy heights he trod 
To whom this glyptic shaft is lifted from the sod, 
Towards the matchless azure of sweet Freedom's skies, 
If we forget the depths whence God bade him arise, 
Above the slave's log cabin and a sireless birth, 
To be a prince among the children of the earth ! 

ISTo giant who has placed one foot upon the land 

And one upon the sea, with power to them command, 

To bid the angry turbulence of each be still, 

And have them bend obedient to his master's will — 

Ever started lower in the social scale than he — 

This Champion of the Slave, this Spokesman of the Free ! 

In him the deathless lesson of onr common race 

Was taught anew — the lesson you who will may trace 

From Babel's fatal tower to fateful Waterloo — ■ 

From Eden's blest abode to slavery's Tuckaho — 

That still "one touch of nature makes the whole world kin," 

The world of love and joy, the world of woe and sin. 

But snch as Douglass was not born to wear a chain — 

At the slave's task to bend and cower and cringe and 

strain — 
To bare his princely back to the rude lash whose welt 
Produced no pain that his proud soul must have felt ! 
As Moses did, he served in bondage for an hour 
The better to be armed to crush the master's power. 

It has been ever thus since the old world was young — 

The giants of the race from the head of woe have sprung — 

Out of the agony and sweat and rayless hope 

In which the swarming masses have been doomed to grope. 

So lifts its head from rocks and sands the lighthouse brave, 

To guide the fearless sailor o'er the treacherous wave. 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. g* 

For who can sing of woe who never felt a pain — 
Who never hoped 'gainst hope to know a joy again? 
Who thirst for vengeance on the skulking, coward foe 
As he whose sire or mate has fallen 'neath the blow? 
Who feel the venom of the slave's undying hate 
As lie whose lot has been the slave's degrading fate? 

'Twas a long way to the north star from Tuckaho — 
From slavery's dark shade to freedom's electric glow — 
From out the depths — "O the depths !" — of slavery's long 

night — 
To the high altitude of freedom's fadeless light ! 
And here he stood in winter's storm and summer's sun, 
.Majestic, brave, till the fierce war was fought and won. 

We claim him as our own, the greatest of the race, 
In whom the rich sun stamp of Africa you trace, 
And we delight to place upon his massive brow 
Affection's crown of reverence, as we do now. 
But, in a larger sense, forsooth, did he belong 
To all the race, a prophet strong among the strong ! 

For he was large in stature and in soul and head 
True type of New America, whose sons, 'tis said, 
The western world shall have as glorious heritage — 
That they shall write in history's fadeless, truthful page 
Such deeds as ne'er before have wrought for liberty 
And all the arts of peace — the strongest of the free ! 

And every depth he braved, and every height he trod 
From earth's alluring shrines to the presence of his God; 
And he was cheered by children's confidence and trust, 
A tribute never withheld from the true and just; 
And woman's sympathy was his, the divine power 
That rules the world in calmest and stormiest hour ! 

To him all weakness and all suffering appealed; 

'Gainst none such was his brave heart ever steeled. 

And pleading womanhood for honest rights denied 

No champion had of sturdier worth to brave wrong's pride — 

To claim for her in all the fullest measure true 

Of justice God ordained her portion, as her due. 



83 HISTORY OF THE 

He needs no monument of stone who writes his name 
By deeds, in diamond letters, in the Book of Fame — 
Who rises from the bosom of the race to be 
A champion of the slave, a spokesman of the free — 
Who scorns the fetters of a slave's degrading- birth 
And takes his place among the giants of the earth. 

This shaft is lifted high in Heaven's holy air 

To keep alive our wavering hope, a message bear 

Of inspiration to the living from the dead, 

Who dared to follow where the laws of duty led, 

They are so few — these heroes of the weak and strong — 

That we must hoc or them in story and in song. 

So let this towering, monumental column stand. 

While freedom's sun shall shine upon our glorious land, 

A guiding star of hope divine for all our youth, 

A living witness to the all-enduring truth — 

The living truth that makes men brave to death, and true — 

The truth whose champions ever have l>een few — 

The truth that made the life of Douglass all sublime, 

And gave it as a theme of hope to every clime ! 

Mr. Fortune's poem was followed by an excellent violin 
solo by Joseph Douglass, of Washington, a grandson of Fred- 
erick Douglass. The older members of the audience, who re- 
membered the great frcedman's love for music, and his own 
proficiency in the use of the violin, recalled many instances 
and greeted the young player with enthusiasm. He played 
a selection from Verdi's "II Trovatore." 

EULOGY BY HON. JOHN C. DANCY. 

Any eulogy I may make of Frederick Douglass can only 
emphasize those already made by others who have preceded 
me. The best tribute to his memory is tame in comparison 
with the actual achievements of his life, considering its early 
environments. He was indeed the architect of his own for- 
tune, •'the builder of the ladder bv which lie climbed." His 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. g£ 

birth, his race, his condition as a chattel, were all against 
him, and his first greatest obstacle was to conquer these, and 
minimize their influence as recognized insurmountable bar- 
riers. His boyhood did not prophesy one of the most re- 
markable careers this Nation has seen; nor did anything in 
his early life indicate that he was born to a noble destiny. 
His mother was a greater woman than his father was man, 
and he no doubt inherited from her the qualities of soul 
which were in him the inspiring, overmastering power which 
moved and electrified vast audiences, and made him the won- 
der and admiration of the world. 

Mr. Douglass always insisted that we must not be meas- 
ured by the heights to which we have attained, but rather by 
the depths from which we have come. These depths were 
lower than those from which Garfield came — and he drove a 
canal boat; or from which Grant came — and he was a tanner; 
or Lincoln — and he was a rail-splitter. Douglass came from 
depths far beneath any of these, for he was a slave, and had 
to go further to reach their starting point than either of them 
went in the entire journey of their triumphs. Wisely and 
philosophically did he remark, immediately after the war 
closed, at a great meeting held in Dr. Sunderland's church, 
"It is a long way from the cornfields of Maryland to Dr. Sun- 
derland's church in Washington." The actual distance was 
only about twenty miles, but it took Mr. Douglass forty years 
to go the journey — like Moses' forty years in the wilderness. 
He has told me that he walked the decks of steamers that 
plied between the ports of New York and Boston, because 
he was denied accommodation elsewhere. And yet even this 
affront to his sensitive nature did not curb his ambition, relax 
his efforts to uplift himself and his race, or smolder the burn- 
ing fires of his manhood. Obstacles which would have abso- 
lutely sapped the vitality and the hopes of almost any other 
man, seemed to be to him an inspiration, which nerved him 



90 HISTORY OF THE 

to more superhuman effort in order to more transcendent tri- 
umphs. 

But Douglass laid well his foundation. A fugitive slave 
he began his life of liberty, as it were, under the shadow of 
Plymouth Pock, at New Bedford, Mass. He early identified 
himself with an unpretentious little A. M. E. Zion church 
where lie became sexton, steward, Sunday-school superintend- 
ent, exhorter and finally local preacher. It was in these ca- 
pacities that he was introduced to the "Whaling ( lity," as his 
splendid physique and magnificent presence as well as speech, 
filled with son!, attracted to him the attention of all who saw 
and heard him. 

Wendell Phillips and William Lloyd Garrison found occa- 
sion to visit ISTew Bedford to hold an anti-slavery meeting. 
The former, the most finished and eloquent orator of his 
time; the latter, the prince of abolition agitators and cham 
pions. Both filled with unconquerable zeal and enthusiasm 
— they stirred that city on that great occasion, as it was never 
stirred before. When enthusiasm had reached its zenith, 
and the speakers had concluded their phillippics against tin- 
most infamous of wrongs — slavery — a call was made for some 
colored man in the audience to say a word describing the foul 
wrong from the standpoint of his own experience. Then 
some voice uttered the name of Douglass. The war was 
waked anew. A grand form pushed its way to the front 
through the surging mass. He was physical perfection — 
calm, motionless, erect, he bowed his salutation, and warming 
to his work he entered into a portrayal of the iniquitous insti- 
tution from which he had made his escape, shook his majestic 
head as a lion shakes from his shaggy mane the dew drops 
of the morning, while his voice of deep-toned thunder uttered 
such anathemas of denunciation, that the audience went mad 
with wildest expressions of sympathy and indignation. Phil- 
lips and Garrison gave vent to their feelings by securing 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 



91 



Douglass at once as a regular platform orator for the Abo- 
lition cause. He awoke the next morning a great man — one 
of the world's modern Seven AVonders. 

When fierce gales bowed the high pines, when blazed 
The lightning, and the savage in the storm 

Some unknown godhead heard, and awestruck gazed 
On Douglass' majestic form. 

His fame was at once secure Like the eagle from his 
eyrie, beholding the approaching storm, with calm serenity, 
so Douglass watched the gathering storm which was to erad- 
icate slavery from "the land of the free." But unlike the 
eagle, he did not wing his flight beyond the gathering clouds, 
but rather boldly met those clouds and bravely aided in the 
work of their dispersion in the abolition of slavery. In New 
England, the West, Canada and Great Britain, he faced riot- 
ous elements of opposition, and by the magnificence of his 
eloquence, he transformed rebellious and antagonistic mobs 
into enthusiastic supporters. In him the man and the cause 
met, and the cause became a part of the man. If it was 
charged that he violated the law, he joined with Seward in 
the assertion that there was "a higher law," and he invoked 
its intervention to insure American liberty "to each, to all, 
and forever." Pie was aware that there Vere "depths of 
infamy, as well as heights of fame," and he would lift his 
proud land from the quagmires of the one into the glories of 
the other. He believed with Webster in "liberty and union, 
one and inseparable," but he realized the impossibility of a 
secure union without the blessings of unrestricted liberty. He 
made the silence of the seas articulate the songs of liberty, 
and the darkness of the night became luminous with the rays 
of approaching dawn. He agreed with Conkling in the dec- 
laration that "from Eunnymede to Appomattox, the jewel 
for which civilized man has fought has been the law of the 
land and equality before the law." In all these contentions 



92 



HISTORY OF THE 



Mr. Douglass fought his own way, won his own victories and 
made his own fame. He was indeed a changeless sincerity. 
He was never in masquerade or disguise. He loved, he 
hoped, he believed in the justice of his cause, and prayed for 
the time when right should rule supreme and conquer wrong. 

Montesquieu, the French philosopher, taught that "the 
animating sentiment of a monarchy is honor, while the ani- 
mating sentiment of a republic is virtue." Douglass sought 
to emphasize! the truth of this remark and make the animat- 
ing sentiment of his country, virtue, which should be the 
cardinal and basic principle of every land and people. He 
loved truth and impartial justice, and wanted them written 
not merely in our laws, but in our lives, and in the hearts 
and consciences of the whole nation. He did not dissemble 
either with friends or foes, and was honored and respected 
by men who hated his opinions, which were with him a posi- 
tive conviction. 

With Senator Charles Sumner he jointly urged President 
Lincoln to issue a call for volunteer colored troops. The 
country was against it — even the sympathetic North. The 
President himself hesitated and agreed to pray over it. The 
wisdom of the suggestion dawned upon the President later, 
and the call was issued for 75,000 colored volunteers. It was 
heard above all the din and smoke of battle, and above the 
cries of the dead and dying, so that 200,000 ebony-hued sons 
of Ham answered to that call. Mr. Douglass' sons were 
among the first to enlist. He proved his faith by his works. 
The courage, daring and heroism of these braves on hundreds 
of battlefields, including Port Wagner, Port Pillow, and 
Petersburg, where they proved themselves as much the flower 
of the Army as the Ninth and Tenth Cavalry and the Twen- 
ty-fourth and Twenty-fifth Infantry did in saving the Rough 
Riders and capturing El Caney and San Juan Hill from the 
Spaniards in our recent war with Spain. All the world 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 



93 



knows of the glory of the Black Regiments which will go 
down the ages in song and story with the ride of the Six 
Hundred, immortalized by Tennyson on the field of Balak- 
lava. Douglass paved the way for this new found glory, and 
thereby in this path-finding alone gave immortality to his 
name and fame. 

"The sword of Michael from the Armory of God seemed 

given him, 
Tempered so that neither keen nor solid might resist that 

edge." 

His triumphs are as inspiring in splendor as they are in- 
finite in variety. Indeed, he does not suffer by contrast with 
any of the great men of the century. Kossuth was a patriot 
like himself, who befriended the oppressed of Hungaria, but 
with no greater influence, power and success than Douglass; 
Gambetta was the tribune of the French people, but with all 
the fury of his wonderful oratory he could arouse no more 
sympathy or support than Douglass; Bismarck was the acting, 
controlling, directing force of the German Empire for a half 
century, and yet he championed fewer reforms that meant 
the uplift of the whole people than Douglass, the emanci- 
pated slave; Gladstone was the commoner and most popular, 
as well as the ablest champion of manhood rights since Pitt, 
who defended the attitude of the Americans in their fight for 
Independence, and yet Gladstone never dared go to the 
limits to which Douglass went in seeking to establish a civili- 
zation, not merely without a slave, but also without a preju- 
dice. If Douglass did not attain to their stations, it wa- 
more because he came from so much greater depths than be- 
cause he merited less elevated heights. There was in him al- 
ways a latent heroism that responded at once to an appeal 
to give np all to some noble cause. His ideals were always 
the highest, the best and the purest, and he reckoned no life 
exemplary that did not comport with such ideals. A vein of 



94 HISTORY OP THE 

humor ran through some of his strongest utterances, but that 
humor, like Lincoln's, was as the ripple of the surface of an 
unfathomable sea. Honors were lavished upon him, not be- 
cause he sought them, but because he earned them. He be- 
came marshal, recorder of deeds of the District of Columbia, 
member of the Commission looking toward the annexation of 
San Domingo, and minister to Hayti, not merely because of 
his color, but because of his ability. He did not occupy so 
large a place in the public eye and esteem because he had 
been a slave, but because lie became a man. He utilized the 
opportunities which came to him to the best possible advan- 
tage, and emphazised their value by the reward, in honor and 
emolument, which sought him with such constancy as his staff 
of life bent under the weight of years. 

As with Douglass, so with us — the ideal determines the 
character of the life. When the aim of life is right, rides 
and precepts are merely subordinates. If wrong, rules 
and precepts are worthless. Nothing so strengthens the 
mind and enlarges the manhood and widens the thought, as 
the constant effort to measure up to the high ideal, to strug- 
gle for that which is beyond and above us. It stretches the 
mind to a larger measure, and touches the life to finer issues. 

A stranger going through a public park in a leading city 
observed an eagle walking around with the satisfied air of a 
domestic animal. He could not understand it; he therefore 
inquired the cause of a bystander. "Follow me," said the 
friend. Coming close up he was shown a net of wire on 
either side and overhead. Said he, "That eagle was put in 
thai inclosure untamed, yea, wild. He made several attempts 
to fly upward, but each successive time he struck that wire 
and fell back helpless. He lost heart, courage and ambition, 
and is now content with his state." 

Mr. Douglass came upon the arena at a time when an en- 
tire race was under the same influence as this eagle. They 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 95 

had made fruitless efforts to rise, but that wire of human 
prejudice and bondage was ever there to beat them back in 
their every attempt at ascent. They had grown spiritless 
and disheartened, and had yielded to what seemed the inev- 
itable. Douglass was one of them. He saw that wire and 
had struck against it himself. But nerving himself to the 
task, after falling back once, with courage bold, he mads a 
superhuman effort a second time, and with the strength which 
God gave him, he hurled himself against it with redoubled 
force and the wire gave way, and he stopped not in his ascent 
until he reached the goal of his ambition. His race caught 
and shared his spirit everywhere until to-day a Nation rises 
from its spell of years to testify to the wisdom and courage of 
a seer of the black race, who knowing his rights dared to as- 
sort and maintain them. With that wire broken we are at 
liberty fto measure up to the higher ideal and struggle for 
that which is beyond and above us. Bulwer's description of 
the voice of O'Connell describes that wonderful voice of 
Douglass during his contention for universal liberty: 

"Aloft and clear from airy tide to tide 

It glided easy as a bird may glide; 
Even to the verge of that vast audience sent, 

It played with each wild passion as it went ; 
ISTow stirred the uproar; now the murmur stilled, 

And sobs or laughter answered as it willed." 

In breaking that wire Douglass played the whole gamut 
of loftiest eloquence. He blended the deep-toned thunder 
of Webster, the musical harmonies of Clay, the lightning 
flashes of O'Connell and the charm and dignity of Wendell 
Phillips, lie believed his own race largely the safety-valve 
of the Republic and pleaded for an 'opportunity for them to 
prove it. Time, the unerring arbiter, in two wars — and in 
peace as well — has richly vindicated* the wisdom of his plea. 



9(j HISTORY OF THE 

With our young men distinguishing themselves in ever} 
avenue of industrial and professional life; with skilled me- 
chanics and artisans, lawyers, physicians, learned ministers 
of the Gospel and teachers, and a wealth running up to nearly 
a half billion in money and homes; with improved churches 
and schools and their constantly increasing attendance; with 
three millions of us who can read and write in the face of 
former laws which made the possession of such blessings a 
crime; and another million in the schools, instructed by 
twenty thousand trained teachers; with a population just 
double what it was thirty-five years ago — nine millions in all 
— these wonderful transformations are the highest encomi- 
ums that can be paid to the greatness of Douglass and his 
compeers — Lincoln, Grant, Phillips, Garrison, Beecher, and 
their allies, in giving us freedom, and in placing us, by an ap- 
peal to the dread arbitrament of the sword, under the pro- 
tecting aegis of the ample folds of the American flag. 

Mr. Douglass addressed himself in the later years of his 
life to reform conditions as they confronted the country. lie 
was the uncompromising enemy of mob law, and especially 
as it developed into lynch law — the worst form of mob vio- 
lence known to any civilization. He demanded a fair and 
impartial trial for every man accused of crime, whether white 
or black — that his guilt or innocence might be fully estab- 
lished; he insisted upon a free and unrestricted exercise of 
the right of franchise, the right preservative of all rights — 
the palladium of American liberty; he demanded the broad- 
ening of the common school system so as to put its benefits 
within the reach of the humblest child in the land; he con- 
tended for an industrial system that would open up avenues 
of employment to all idlers, and thereby increase the produc- 
ing class and minimize that class who are chiefly consumers 
without the alternative of being contributors to our product- 
ive wealth; he was an emphatic champion of every moral 




BENJAMIN MYERS. 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 



97 



cause, whether it was temperance, religious or otherwise, 
which promised favorable results to the Nation at large. He 
had all the ardor of John Brown without his daring; all the 
zeal of Beecher without his intrepidity; all the courage of 
Wilberforce without his "winters of discontent;" all the de- 
termination of Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe and Miss Susan 
B. Anthony, and "Sojourner Truth" without their meekness 
and patience and willingness to wait results. He believed in 
woman's rights as much as he did in man's, and spent the last 
day of his life giving them a final note of warning as to 
what was the next best thing to do to strengthen the influ- 
ence of their organized protest against existing wrongs aimed 
at them. He believed that 

"Woman's cause is man's; 

They rise or sink together 
Dwarfed or God-like, bond or free." 

I saw Mr. Douglass under many and varying circum- 
stances, but he was always the same grand, peerless character 
in his personality. I heard him declare in a great conven- 
tion, where weighty political interests were involved, and 
party spirit ran high, that "the Republican Party is the ship 
and all else is the sea"; I beheld him with cane in hand at the 
Columbian Exposition, at Chicago, at a great congress, tell a 
caustic critic of our race, in answer to his animadversions, to 
desist from his unfair attacks and "go home, and learn the 
truth, before attempting again to instruct others as to the 
true status of a too long maligned and oppressed race;" I 
heard him in a great National Republican Convention, speak- 
ing of his own race, assert that "we may be many as the 
waves, but we are one as the sea"; I watched him before an 
audience made up chiefly of foreigners, at Washington, dur- 
ing the great Ecumenial Conference, as he rose to the loftiest 
pitch of overpowering eloquence and made a last appeal to 



98 



HISTORY OF THE 



them on behalf of fair play for all mankind; I sat with him an 
hour at the Executive Mansion, as he talked with President 
Harrison, portraying the greatness of the people of Hayti, 
whom he loved; I have seen him make merry at his home at 
Cedar Hill, overlooking the Potomac, as he and his grandson 
played in concert on violins his favorite, u The Suwannee 
River"; and to cap the climax, I beheld him as the orator of 
the day, on the occasion of the unveiling of the Lincoln mon- 
ument on Capitol Hill, at Washington, in April, 1876. Pres- 
ident Grant and his cabinet, the Vice-President, nearly all 
the United States Senators and members of Congress, the 
Chief Justice and members of the Supreme Court, (iovernora 
of different states, the Diplomatic Corps and other notable 
persons were there- — with an assembled mass of more than 
50,000 persons, constituting the finest audience that ever 
heard a plain civilian in this country, speak — and Douglass 
never appeared to better advantage, as he addressed himself 
so marvelously to that surging sea of upturned faces. It was 
the speech of his life. But under none of these changed cir- 
cumstances did he ever to our mind vary a hair's breadth 
from the modest, sincere, brave, true, and unaffected Fred- 
erick Douglass whom the world has known and honored for 
nearly a half century. 

But great as Douglass was as a statesman and patriot, he 
was no politician in the narrower sense. He comprehended 
great questions of state and had vast influence with states- 
men, but he knew little or nothing of the art of practical poli- 
tics, and was therefore no competitor with men of much 
smaller mental caliber when it came to a contest in the pri- 
maries for leadership. But the primaries once over, the re- 
sponsibility of carrying party principles to a successful issue, 
rested on his broad and capable shoulders. In such case he 
became the leader of leaders, the recognized tribune of the 
people. 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 9,) 

But Mr. Douglass is dead. That magnificent presence is 
no more among us to advise, direct, and encourage us; but his 
example is still with us, and like Webster, he "still lives." 
New questions of state and national policies will come up to 
vex political leaders and disintegrate and cause a realign- 
ment of political parties. The question of races will be 
broadened under the policy of territorial expansion and 
aggrandizement. Other dark races with an increase by the 
enlarged territory of our nation, mil give us nineteen instead 
of nine million of the dark races to be considered in the new 
equation. Whether present prejudices will wear away under 
the policies to be inaugurated to settle the newer problem, 
only time will disclose. At all events, we shall need the di- 
recting presence of a Douglass that we may avoid Charybdis 
in escaping Scylla. The question of education, of party affili- 
ations, or moral and material development, of manhood 
rights, of our present duties and obligations — all being ques- 
tions which occupied the best moments of his life, are still 
presenting themselves with added charm and force, and ap- 
peal to our closest scrutiny and most careful consideration. 
May God send us other guides to take up the work where he 
left off. 

As a living example of the value to me, at least, of his 
championship of human freedom, T stand here as one of the 
manumitted slaves — born in the same month and year that 
he made his famous address against the Dred Scott decision 
by Chief Justice Taney — to bear testimony to his heroism 
and lay at his feet this imperfect tribute to his worth and 
character. I do not hesitate to declare that he was indeed 

"A hero — a hero who dared to struggle in the solid 

ranks of truth, 
To clutch the monster Error by the throat, 
To bear opinion to a loftier height, 
To blot the error of oppression out 
And lead a universal Freedom in." 

L.ofC. 



-j_qq HISTORY OF THE 

Other great men have risen to fame and distinction, and 
others will rise; but the like of Douglass we will hardly see 
in this generation or the next. The occasion may never rise 
for his like. JSTo Vulcan need forge thunder bolts like those 
prepared for him, as they are hardly required to carry the 
same power of destruction, or to produce the same trepida- 
tion and dismay. The power of the whirlwind and awe-in- 
spiring tremor of the earthquake shock are hardly necessary 
now as in darker days to arouse a nation to a full sense of its 
duty and its danger- — realizing as we do that a nation's chief 
sin is its chief danger. In his own day, this sin denied his 
manhood, humbled his pride, sapped his vitality and clouded 
his future. He realized its dangerous influence and tendency, 
and clutching it by the throat, assisted in choking it to death. 

So we turn from this spectacle so grand in design, so true 
in form, proportion and feature, so worthy of him whose 
memory it seeks to perpetuate. He lived, fought, and sacri- 
ficed for us and his country; let us not prove ourselves un- 
worthy of his great triumphs, which were won in our defense. 
This gathering is a slight testimonial of our abiding grati- 
tude. Let us wind ourselves out of the labyrinths of doubt, 
self distrust, and pessimistic forebodings, and like him whose 
monument we erect to his memory, rise above every degrad- 
ing environment into the higher life where dwell only the 
pure, the worthy and the true. Then Douglass will not have 
sacrificed in vain. Freedom will prove a blessing indeed, 
and manhood rather than race will be the true badge of 
honor, and the true test of character. 

As one star difTereth from another star, so one life drffereth 
from another life. Douglass was a star of the first magni- 
tude — one of the proudest in the constellation of stars — a 
comet, indeed, whose light emblazons the horizon long after 
it has disappeared from sight. A life of sore trial, of con- 
flict, of sacrifice, of constant plodding, of final triumph, both 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 



101 



hero and hereafter — it is to us an example and to the world 
a benediction. Great as he was in life, and grand as he was 
in death, we conclude the last tribute that the beneficiary can 
pay to the benefactor by bidding- him hail ! and farewell ! 

The next number was a solo by Mrs. Charles P. Lee, who 
rendered in excellent style "The Sun is on the Hills," Miss 
May LeLeon accompanist. 

MEDAL FOR CHAIRMAN THOMPSON. 

The programme was interrupted at this point by Walter 
Stewart, of Elmira, who arose on behalf of the citizens of 
Rochester, to present a token of their gratitude to John W. 
Thompson, chairman of the committee, who had conceived 
and engineered the plans for the memorial to the great leader 
of his race. Mr. Stewart said briefly: 

"It is a custom among all nations to perpetuate the mem- 
ory of their greatest men who in some special manner have 
stamped their names upon the hearts of the people, but as 
far as I can determine this is the first time that a people have 
met to perpetuate the memory of any of my race. This idea 
was first promulgated by a citizen of Rochester in 1894, long 
before Douglass was deceased. John W. Thompson being 
imbued with the spirit of his race, arose in a Masonic meeting 
and first started this work. But ere he had perfected his 
plans the grand old man had run his race. But at his death 
Mr. Thompson put forth renewed energy, and though prog- 
ress was slow he was conscious that he was right and worked 
on and on without fear of failure or hope of reward, and to- 
day he can look back upon a successful work. Often he had 
to tread the winepress alone, yet I believe there was an un- 
seen influence assisting him so that he could not. fail. 

"To-day John W. Thompson ought not to be without re- 
ward, so in token of our appreciation for his efforts I wish to 
present him with this gold medal." 



102 HISTORY OF THE 

Mr. Thompson accepted the gift with a few words of grati- 
tude, though taken entirely by surprise. The medal was a 
handsome one, being a solid gold medallion, with an engrav- 
ing of the Douglass monument and a personal inscription to 
the donee. A pleasant and appropriate feature of the pro- 
gramme was the reading by Miss Fredericka Douglass 
Sprague, a granddaughter of Frederick Douglass, of an ex- 
tract from the great speech of the freedman, delivered in 
Washington on April 16, 1883, the occasion being the cele- 
bration of the twenty-first anniversary of emancipation. 

MISS ANTHONY'S REMINISCENCE 3. 

Miss Susan B. Anthony was then introduced. She said, in 
part: 

"I am proud and happy to bear my testimony by presence 
and words to the great truths that Frederick Douglass did so 
much to vindicate by his life and works. It is not because I 
have not been importuned to provide a sentiment for the 
monument but because I have been busy and so at this late 
hour I am going to read a testimonial from Frederick Doug- 
lass to me and I think that this one sentence should be the 
sentiment inscribed on the pedestal at Douglass Park: 

" 'The cause of woman suffrage has under it a truth; as 
eternal as the universe of thought, and must triumph if this 
planet endures.' 

"I must pay a tribute to the old abolitionists who have 
passed before. Robert Purvise, Parker Pillsburv and all the 
rest, but Elizabeth Herrick, a grand noble woman, was the 
influence behind it all, Avhen she made the utterance for imme- 
diate emancipation. "When he came to this country William 
Lloyd Garrison brought with him a true, noble wife and 
mother, and I believe that he could not have done the work 
unless for her influence. And then there was the invalid 
wife of Wendell Phillips, who read all anti-slavery literature 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. -j_Q3 

and encouraged the great orator to go and speak for the op- 
pressed. I think that Mr. Phillips' most magnificent speech 
was made in Rochester when he stopped with John and 
Mary Hallo well. I said to him: 

" 'That's a great speech, Mr. Phillips.' 

" 'Yes, but you must thank Ann for it.' 

"And Ann was his faithful, loving wife, who encouraged, 
helped, cheered him in his great fight for abolition. 

"I remember well the first time I ever saw Douglass. 
When I came home from school teaching. My father put 
me in the buggy and carried me down to Alexander street to 
see Douglass and his children, and through all the years after 
the friendship was continued. Our happiest Sundays were 
when Douglass and his family spent the day at our house. 
We felt proud of those occasions. Douglass was a jolly fel- 
low. He always brought that violin along. 

"In our circle of friends we very often had those who visit- 
ed us who were prejudiced. I didn't mean to persecute them 
or make them unhappy, but I was mighty glad to introduce 
Douglass to them. I am going to detain you to tell you one 
experience. 

"The son of my mother's brother was a real good, solid 
Western New York Democrat. He had come out from the 
city to spend his vacation at our beautiful little farm. He 
didn't like our 'niggers.' One time when he was there 
Douglass came. I invited him into the parlor to meet Doug- 
lass. 

He refused, but later consented to an introduction. He 
began to ply his legal lore on Mr. Douglass and found him- 
self wholly unable to cope with Frederick Douglass. Realiz- 
ing this, he turned to Rosa Douglass, his daughter, and asked, 
her to play, and, unlike many white girls, she played withour 
dissent. She played another selection and finally my cousin: 
followed Rosa out to the table and placed a chair for her.. 



204 HISTORY OF THE 

And before the evening was over that 'Lisli,' that Democratic 
New York city Lawyer, actually ran down and opened the 
gate for Douglas? to drive through when he started home. 
Douglass overcame prejudice. 

"I tell you the greatest thing that .-lands in the way of 
advancement is prejudice. To negro men I say, don't imi- 
tate white men. The women ought to be remembered, and 
ci. lured men should still stand by the women. Why the 
while men propose to give the ballot even now to heathens 
and leave Frederick Douglass' daughter under the heel of 
prejudice. 

MRS. IDA B. WELLS BARXETT. 

One of the inter* sting addresses of the afternoon was that 
by Mrs. Ida B. Wells Barnett, of Chicago, who is classed with 
the leading female orators. Her life has been spent in advo- 
cating the anti-lynching law. .Mrs. Barnett said: 

"I come as a pilgrim to a Mecca, a worshipper at the shrine 
of one of the greatest men this country lias produced. The 
American nation owes Frederick Douglass a debt of grati- 
tude because he helped her to cure herself of a radical evil. 
It is not necessary to recount what he did for the United 
States. We have come to know and love him because he es- 
poused the cause of those who are victims of mob law. He 
is not dead, his words live after him, and will he an inspira- 
tion to us in the many problems which confront us." 

The speaker referred to the work Douglass had done in 
espousing the cause of the anti-lynch law, of woman's suf- 
frage and against the "hydra-headed monster of prejudice," 
and said that the work that he did should he an inspiration 
for the present generation to take up those questions with re- 
newed energy, until perfect emancipation and freedom were 
granted to all races and all sexes in the country. 

"His Name Shall Live Forever," was rendered by a chorus 
of forty voices. Mrs. R. Jerome Jeffrey, accompanist. 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. ^5 

EX-MINISTER SMYTH'S EULOGY. 

John H. Smyth, ex-minister to Liberia, and president of 
the Reformatory Association, of Virginia, now a prominent 
lawyer in the South, was to have delivered an extended ad- 
dress, but it was late in the afternoon when the opportunity 
was presented to him, and he confined his remarks to a few 
brief words of tribute to the great freedman. Though he 
spoke but a short time, Mr. Smyth showed that he was easily 
one of the foremost orators of his race. By way of preface 
he seconded heartily the suggestion of Miss Anthony that 
the negro should not be an imitator of the white man. He 
paid a high tribute to the women of the land, and stated that 
it was doubtless through womanly influence that Douglass be- 
came what he was. "It was due to the negro woman,"' he 
said, "that we had a Frederick Douglass, or any other illustri- 
ous negro in religion, politics or the field of battle. 

"The man whose active, moral and intellectual agency aid- 
ed in the destruction and extirpation from America of a 
legalized infamy and degradation is no less a national bene- 
factor than the martyr souls were human benefactors, wno 
went to God through Home in its zenith, and the inquisiton in 
protest against godlessness, heathenism and sin in the cause 
of Christianity and its redemptive forces. 

"It is ever of interest to have narrated the circumstances 
connected with the birth and family of any great personage. 
Alas! for the negro in Christian lands — little that is authen- 
tic that may be relied upon, can be said of such in this respect 
who have lived so long as fifty years. Chronology in con- 
nection with a negro slave, had importance only with regard 
to his ability to work. Genealogy, so far as blacks were con- 
cerned, heretofore, was a matter of indifference. From our 
emancipation and throughout all our future, chronology and 
genealogy are to be factors in our life and history, which 
under God, may be significant and important. 



106 HISTORY OF THE 

"Frederick Douglass' parentage and antecedents are 
shrouded in mystery. It is not a surprising circumstance, as 
all must realize, the result of human slavery in the United 
States where he was born. 

"Through the warp and woof of his private and public life, 
one purpose ran: Honesty, incorruptibility and loyalty to 
the interests of his race. His uncompromising hatred of op- 
pression and American prejudice distinguished him from 
1838 to the end of an eventful, useful, effective and beautiful 
life. His name will ever be 'great in tongues of wisest cen- 
sure.' " 

THE PRESENTATION. 

Charles P. Lee, a prominent attorney of Rochester, N. Y., 
then made the presentation of the monument to the city. Re- 
ferring to the noble work of the Monument Committee, Mr. 
Lee said: 

"The character of a country is often known by the class of 
men it crowns. Monuments dedicated to heroes and patriots 
disclose a nation's ideals and reveal the growth and grandeur 
of its civilization." Continuing, he said: 

"This monument represents a great leader. God endowed 
Douglass with all the qualities of exalted leadership, high 
moral purpose, courage of convietion, great personal magnet- 
ism, broad perceptive powers, iron will, matchless physical 
endurance, restless industry, spotless integrity, commanding 
and conspicuous figure, a leader by Divine right. Believing 
the principles he defended and the cause he espoused were 
true and righteous, he stood by them with unflinching fidel- 
ity. This unwavering firmness made him strong in counsel, 
steady in conflict, powerful with the people. Douglass was 
a leader of fixed principles and unshaken integrity. He 
would not sell the people's right for a seat in the Senate or 
betray their confidence for a second-class appointment. 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 



107 



''During the reconstruction period, Douglass devoted his 
energies to the material advancement of the freedman and to 
the graver conditions and circumstances growing out of 
emancipation. His powerful appeals for justice — equality 
before the law and absolute civil rights for his race — con- 
tributed much toward the formation of that public sentiment 
which gave a guaranteed citizenship. The trials and tri- 
umphs of Douglass extended over all the thrilling period of 
our national history. 

He saw the flag of his country in dishonor — he lived to see 
it restored in glory. He saw the constitution blotted by a 
fugitive slave law — he lived to see it redeemed by the four- 
teenth and fifteenth amendments. He saw slaves sold in the 
public square — he lived to see them in the Senate of the 
United States. He saw his race in political degradation — he 
helped lift it to the heights of civil liberty and equality. He 
saw his countrymen shut out from every avenue of trade, the 
paths of polite industry and enjoyment — he died leaving 
them possessed of every opportunity of elevation and ad- 
vancement. All of this he saw and part of which he was. 
In the economy of life Douglass filled many places, as editor 
and author, diplomat and statesman, and in them all he ac- 
quitted himself well. 

"It repeats the story of the soldier and sailor, whose cour- 
age in battle never faltered or failed, but with a heroism born 
of inspiration, faced rebel ball and blade, for the Union, lib- 
erty and law. On tented field and crested wave, where trea- 
son trampled under foot the rights of man, and grim-visaged 
rebellion besieged a nation's forts and firesides, they fought 
and fell. 

"It marks the majestic march of that public sentiment, 
Avhich, when the smoke of battle rolled away — in a spirit of 
justice equal to the world's sublimest hope, stooped and took 



Ids HISTORY OF THE 

the freedman by the hand, placed him in possession of polit- 
ical rights, made him equal before the law, surrounded him 
with great opportunities of advancement and elevation, in 
the exalted duty and dignity of citizenship, bade him live and 
labor for the grandeur of his country, the glory of his race 
and God. 

"This monument is a mute appeal to the Afro-American of 
to-day. It implores us to show by our devotion to duty, our 
love of truth, our zeal for knowledge and our acquisition of 
wealth and prosperity, that we appreciate the advantages we 
enjoy, that we are worthy of the liberty left us as a legacy 
of love. It begs us to cultivate habits of virtue, temperance, 
economy, industry and commercial activity, .-(/(king ever that 
righteousness which exalteth a nation, and by the nobility of 
our lives, the purity of our characters and the material gran- 
deur of our achievements, reach and realize the highest 
privileges and possibilities of American civilization. It points 
out to us the necessity of rising to the duty of the hour, of 
realizing our part and place in the progress of the age, of 
lending our effort and energy in defense of every measure 
and movement beneficial to mankind, which marks the spirit 
of the times, the triumphant march of the new republic. 

(r We know of no city more entitled to the honor of this 
monument than Rochester. Douglass loved her with a de- 
votion that was passing strange, and though separated from 
her by ocean trips, or called away by public duty, he still 
clung to her as his home. For nearly a quarter of a century 
he was identified with her welfare, associated with her growth 
and grandeur, and enjoyed her great generosity. It was 
here that he toiled and triumphed and firmly laid the founda- 
tion of that fame and fortune which cheered and comforted 
his declining years. Tt was here he commanded and con- 
trolled the thrilling conflict and tragic commotion of the anti- 
slavery campaign. It was here he saw the light of liberty 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 1Q9 

lireak over the land of bondage. His life was closely inter- 
woven Avith her own — and his mortal remains have found 
lasting repose in her loving embrace. 

"May she welcome this monument as a worthy contribution 
to her Pantheon 'of glory, around which are clustered mem- 
ories, that will inspire her youth for generations to come with 
lofty hopes and heroism, and awaken in the hearts of her citi- 
zens a high and holy admiration for the life and labor, name 
and fame of this venerated apostle of liberty. In that silent 
city of the dead — on the banks of the historic Genesee — 
Douglass sleeps to-day — and the sun shines on no grander 
spot than where his majestic form mingles with its mother 
earth — and where the lovers of liberty from every land shall 
some day come to weave a garland above his grave. Let none 
of us approach that sacred shrine with feelings of resentment, 
or come away to revive the flame of race animosity, but with 
past trials forgotten, past wrongs forgiven, gather around 
his tomb and recalling the cherished memories of his life and 
invoking the sainted shades of his illustrious spirit, consecrate 
ourselves anew to the Genus of Liberty — to the grandson of 
free government. He lives, ever lives." 

THE MAYOR'S ACCEPTANCE. 

Mayor George E. Warner, in behalf of the city of Roch- 
ester, accepted the monument, as follows: 

"Rochester would prove herself unworthy of having been 
the home of a great man if she would do nothing to perpet- 
uate his memory. She has had many citizens, able in the 
councils of the state and nation, alert in business, and of bril- 
liant mind, but none as great as Frederick Douglass. He was 
great on account of what he did for himself — because he 
transformed himself from a piece of personal property on the 
plantation of his master, contrary to the laws of the land and 
the prejudices of the people, to a sage, the adviser of the 



-QO HISTORY OF THE 

great; and great on account of what he did for his people — 
because he gave for their salvation the rarest endowments 
of nature and the whole wealth of his mind accumulated 
through years of the severest trials. He was the true self- 
made man, for he could look back to the time when the laws 
of the republic said he was not a man. He became a man 
not with the aid of its beneficent laws, but in spite of its in- 
human laws. 

"The years he spent in our city were the ones in which the 
greatest efforts of his life were put forth for his race. Here 
he edited a newspaper for the publication of his views on 
slavery. Between the hours of labor which he spent in this 
enterprise, he traveled over the country lecturing. He also 
held here a sort of central office for the 'underground rail- 
way,' an institution for the humane purpose of conducting 
slaves to Canada. That he was well received by our people 
he gives testimony in his autobiography. He notes that we 
did not take the advice iof a Xew York paper and throw his 
printing press into the lake. By financial contributions and 
in other material ways he was assisted by our people in the 
great work of his life. 

"For twenty-five years he was a familiar figure on our 
streets and in our public life. Our citizens learned to admire 
and reverence him, and thousands gathered to hear his fre- 
quent anti-slavery speeches. That he, too, had a tender feel- 
ing for our city and people, appears from the following sen- 
tence from his 'Life and Times:' 

" 'I know of no place in the Union where I could have lo- 
cated at the time with less resistance, or received a larger 
measure of sympathy and co-operation, and I now look back 
to my life and labors therewith unalloyed satisfaction, and 
having spent a quarter of a century among its people, I shall 
always feel more at home there than anywhere else in the 
eoimtrv.' 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 



Ill 



"Our city is proud for having sheltered him when other 
cities would have refused him shelter. At his death she hon- 
ored his remains and gave them a resting place at her door. 
To-day her citizens honor his memory by erecting a beautiful 
monument inscribed with his eloquent words. 

"It is fitting that it should stand near a great portal of our 
city where the thousands who enter may see that she is will- 
ing to acknowledge to the world that her most illustrious cit- 
izen was not a white man. 

"As mayor of the city I accept this monument to a great 
and good man. May it stand always to remind our people 
of a life which should never be forgotten, and as an index 
finger to a bright page in history." 

Before the exercises were brought to a close, Miss Anthony 
said that no public gathering could be complete without a 
word from the venerable Dr. E. M. Moore, who occupied a 
seat of honor on the platform. Dr. E. M. Moore spoke 
briefly, saying that he was very glad to be present and thus 
show his admiration and respect for a man who had at one 
time been his fellow townsman and friend. Mrs. Jean 
Brooks Greenleaf also made a few remarks in the same strain. 
The afternoon's exercises were then brought to a close by the 
singing of "America" by the audience, and a benediction by 
the Rev. Alonzo Scott. 

THE RECEPTION. 

Probably no part of the programme was enjoyed by young 
and old, foreigners and Rochestorians alike, more than the re- 
ception and ball at Fitzlmgh Hall in the evening. It was very 
largely attended, though the guests were somewhat late in 
arriving, it being fully 11 o'clock before the evening had 
reached its zenith. It was well along towards the small 
hours of morning before the ball was at an end. The music 
was excellent, the floor was in fine condition, and everything 



lis 



HISTORY OF THE 



seemed propitious for a perfect evening's enjoyment. The 
dancers were graceful in their movements as they responded 
to the strains of harmony. The hall was handsomely decorat- 
ed with flags of different nations, the Stars and Stripes, of 
course, predominating. There were many handsome and 
artistic costumes worn by the ladies, mostly of bright tints, 
relieved by numerous white toilettes. Pink predominated, 
but light blue, red and yellow made pretty contrasts, the en- 
semble producing a brilliant scene. There were many hand- 
some as well as stylishly gowned women present. 

The Douglass party was in attendance as spectators, occu- 
pying a place in the south balcony. 

Taken as a whole the affair was a fitting finale to an event- 
ful day in the history of Rochester. Many prominent white 
citizens, both men and women, were present. 




COL. NATHAN P. POND. 



CHAPTER XII. 

THE DATE SELECTED, AND ARRANGEMENTS 
COMPLETED. 

The bronze statue arrived over the Lehigh Valley Rail- 
road from Philadelphia, October 4, 1898. Weight 1,200 
pounds; placed in position October 11th. October 12th had 
been fixed for the unveiling. On October 9th Chairman 
Thompson was taken dangerously ill which necessitated an- 
other postponement. The Monument Committee at that 
time was still in need of $2,000 and had the monument been 
unveiled at that time with that sum charged against the 
committee, it would have been years before the same could 
have been raised. This the chairman understood quite well 
so he adopted the wise plan and waited until the next year 
with the hope of having the Governor of the state fix the day, 
and when that was done he knew the money would come 
without much trouble. Up to that time he had received but 
little encouragement from the members of his race. When 
the work was completed and after reading the sentiment on 
the bronze tablets, Professor Booker T. Washington on a 
visit to the city said: "This monument is grand and it is the 
only thing we have." 

As the news was flashed over the country that the unveil- 
ing was again postponed there was some criticism from differ- 
ent sections of the country by parties who did not under- 
stand, but the most unjust of all appeared in the "Conserva- 
tor," a paper edited by Mrs. Ida B. Wells Barnett, at Chi- 
cago, which brought forth this able defense by Charles R. 
Douglass, which was published in that paper, and duly ac- 
knowledged : 



H4 HISTORY OF THE 

609 F Street, N. W., 
Washington, D. C., Nov., 1898. 
Editor, The Conservator: 

My attention has been called to a most unjust criticism of 
the "Douglass Monument" management contained in your 
issue of October 20th instant. There is no truth in the state- 
ment that the statue is not now in position, and was in posi- 
tion two weeks prior to the issue of your paper of October 
29th. 

When Mr. John W. Thompson was putting forth his best 
efforts to secure funds to erect a monument to> the late [Fred- 
erick Douglass, where were these critics that are now so 
numerous — faultfinding because the monument was not un- 
veiled as announced — not a nickle did they give. 

Less than $500 came from the pockets of the 10,000,000 
negroes in the United States. The little republic of Hayti, 
numbering less than a million inhabitants, gave a thousand 
dollars— more than was contributed by all the negroes in the 
United States together. The balance of the $10,000 came 
from white people. 

Let Thompson alone. He has undertaken and accom- 
plished more than has ever been accomplished before by any 
negro. He has erected a monument to one of his race. 

CHAS. R. DOUGLASS. 

GOVERNOR ROOSEVELT NAMES THE DAY. 

At the request of many prominent members of the G. A. 
R. and other citizens, the committee was requested to fix a 
day for unveiling, when there would be good weather, in 
order that they could take part in the parade. J. W. 
Thompson wrote Governor Roosevelt asking him to fix a 
day for the unveiling, when he could be present, and request- 
ed him to act with Senator Armstrong. 

Mr. Thompson received the following: 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. ^^5 

Albany, February 8, 1899. 
My Dear Mr. Thompson: Replying to your letter of the 
30th ultimo, in reference to the unveiling of the Douglass 
monument, I will gladly come, but think I shall have to wait 
until the Legislature adjourns. When the date for ad- 
journment is fixed, will you write to me, and I will fix a date 
for you. Sincerely yours, 

THEODORE ROOSEVELT. 

Following is the Governor's letter, and one from Senator 
Armstrong to Chairman John W. Thompson of the Monu- 
ment Committee: 

Executive Chamber, 

Albany, May 3, 1899. 
Hon. W. W. Armstrong, Rochester, 1ST. Y. : 

My Dear Senator: Replying to yours of the 1st, would 
say that I will make the date June 9th. The 7th of June I 
have to spend at Columbia University. 
Sincerely yours, 

THEODORE ROOSEVELT. 



Rochester, K Y., May 4, 1899. 
John W. Thompson, City: 

My Dear Mr. Thompson : I have the pleasure of inclosing 
you a communication from Governor Roosevelt, which I 
know will be very pleasing to you. Please advise me if I can 
be of any future service in the matter. 

Yours truly, 

W. W. ARMSTRONG. 

This news was very pleasing to the chairman of the com- 
mittee, as the citizens were getting impatient and tired of 
seeing the canvas covered statue. 



11(5 HISTORY OF THE 

The chairman proceeded to make the arrangements for 
the final event of June 9th. In order to get the Chamber of 
Commerce interested, and assist in making the day one 
of importance and dignity, as well as to secure the 
$2,000 which was still due on the monument, he called 
upon Mr. R. A. Sibley, president of the Chamber of Com- 
merce, to entertain Governor Roosevelt on the occasion of his 
visit to the city. While Mr. Sibley had the matter under 
consideration it became known to many leading citizens that 
such a request had been made, and the rumor came near 
breaking up the parade. Prominent gentlemen called on 
Chairman Thompson and made objections to the Governor 
being taken to a private residence. One caller said indig- 
nantly, that the Governor wanted to be among the people 
and not carted off in a private carriage. Another said, "if 
what I have just heard is true the G. A. R. won't turn out 
and the school children will not march." He continued say- 
ing, you had better have the Governor go right to the square 
where the monument is to be nnveiled, the people will come, 
and don't have any parade. The chairman was perplexed, 
and the outlook for a successful unveiling seemed dark. 

Colonel James S. Graham, however, came to his rescue 
from the unexpected troubles. After an interview with the 
colonel, by appointment, Mr. Thompson met him in his office 
at the Post office, the next morning, and walked over to the 
office of Hon. W. AY. Armstrong, where there was a con- 
ference between the three. After the case had been stated 
with all of its details, Senator Armstrong called these gen- 
tlemen over the telephone to meet at the Rochester Whist 
Club the same afternoon at 4 o'clock: Colonel 1ST. P. Pond, 
Hon. A. E. Sutherland, Hon. George A. Benton, Charles U. 
Bastable. They were met by Hon. W. W. Armstrong, 
Colonel J. S. Graham, Hon. John Van Voorhis and John W. 
Thompson. The conference lasted two hours and a half. 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. ^7 

Mr. Bastable acted as secretary, and was instructed to send 
invitations to five hundred citizens to meet in the Supervis- 
ors' rooms, Monday, June 4th, to make arrangements for the 
Governor's reception and raise the balance due on the mon- 
ument. It was decided further that Hon. George A. Ben- 
ton should be the chairman of the meeting of citizens, and 
Charles IT. Bastable, secretary. 

At the citizens' meeting, June 4th, Judge George A. Ben- 
ton was unanimously elected chairman, Mr. James Fee, treas- 
urer and Mr. Bastable, secretary. Judge Benton was au- 
thorized to appoint an executive committee of ten. It 
proved to be a hard task to perform satisfactory just at that 
time, as the political pot had just began to boil fiercely. The 
primaries were not to be held until September. Mr. Dewitt 
C. Becker, of Perinton had announced himself a candidate 
for the office of County Treasurer and was the choice of the 
Republican organization, backed by Hon. George W. Ald- 
ridge. Hon. J. B. Hamilton was also a candidate for the 
same position and supported by all of the anti-organization 
people, and many others. In appointing this committee it 
was extremely hard for the Judge, while he wished to ap- 
point only those who would act, and make the committee 
work a success, he was accused of favoring the Aldridge fac- 
tion of the Republican party, but such accusation was not 
well founded. He desired men on this important committee 
for something else other than honor. Of course all who 
wanted the honor could not be appointed, but those selected 
gave general satisfaction to the public, and at 11 o'clock 
June 9th we had money enough raised to pay all of the ex- 
penses of the Governor's reception and the balance due on 
the monument. 

Hon. H. S. Greenleaf was the first treasurer appointed. 
He served nearly two years, but finally had to retire on ac- 
count of illness. This caused much regret in the committee 



-Qg HISTORY OF THE 

and it was the opinion of many that his place could not be 
filled. Mr. Greenleaf was a great admirer of Mr. Douglass 
and was the first citizen to pledge $100 to the fund. After 
some time the vacancy was filled by the appointment of Hon. 
George A. Benton, as treasurer. The Judge accepted the 
position and discharged its duties faithfully, being at all 
times ready to confer with the chairman, and giving valuable 
advice, never faltering. Judge Benton served Monroe coun- 
ty six years as district attorney, and is now Surrogate of 
Monroe county, N. Y. He is an able lawyer, and one of 
the most prominent citizens of Rochester. The comple- 
tion of the monument and its successful unveiling made 
Treasurer Benton one of the happiest men in the city, espe- 
cially so when he could make out the check for the last 
$2,500 then due on the Douglass monument. When this 
was accomplished it was truly a great relief to all, notwith- 
standing the fact that the sum needed was collected in a 
much shorter time than is usual in the case of erecting monu- 
ments by popular contributions. When all things are con- 
sidered, the accomplishment of the work in less than four 
years was indeed remarkable. 

PROCLAMATION BY THE MAYOR. 

Mayor's Office, June 7, 1899. 

On Friday next will occur the ceremony of unveiling the 
monument erected by our citizens to Frederick Douglass. 

Rochester may well cherish the memory of her great cit- 
izen. His figure stands outlined on the pages of history as 
one of the few great emancipators. "No race or country can 
claim him exclusively. He was the champion of man. He 
fought, not in the fornm or legislative hall, but before the 
tribunal of public opinion. No people chose him for their 
representative. His ideas of right and liberty were not lim- 
ited by artificial lines. His was the spirit of true democracv. 
His career is a ffreat text-book for citizens and statesmen. 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. ^9 

Let us point him out to the youth of the land as one of the 
type of men who make offices and officers, political parties 
and governments. Let us point to the position he held as 
the highest that may be attained by a free citizen. This we 
may do by honoring his memory. 

Much preparation has been made for the exercises to be 
held on Friday, and there can be no doubt but that the people 
will heartily co-operate. It gives me pleasure to be able to 
announce that his excellency, Governor Roosevelt, has con- 
sented to come here and deliver an address. 

Therefore, I would respectfully request that on that day, 
after 12 o'clock noon, in order to fittingly celebrate the 
event, business will be suspended as much as possible, and 
that all the people assist in honoring the memory of our dis- 
tinguished fellow citizen and join in showing respect to our 
distinguished visitor. 

I would also request that the same order and good judg- 
ment be exercised by the spectators along the line of march 
then that contributed to the enjoyment of all on a similar oc- 
casion a short time ago. 

GEORGE E. WARNER, 

Mayor. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

THE UNVEILING CEREMONIES AT DOUGLASS 

PARK. 

To live — that freedom, truth, and life 

Might never know eclipse — 
To die, with woman's work and works 

Aglow upon his lips — 
To face the foes of human kind 

Through years of wounds and scars — 
It is enough; lead on — to find 

Thy place and the stars. 

MRS. CRITTENDEN. 

February 20, 1805. 



With the laurel wreath of fame, Rochester, June 9th, 
crowned the memory of the great orator, statesman and 
apostle of enfranchisement — Frederick Douglass, her adopt- 
ed son. Amid elaborate and impressive ceremonies, in the 
presence of a mighty throng, honored by the presence of the 
chief executive of the state, the shroud was lifted from the 
bronze shaft cast to the image of the great apostle of liberty. 
Eulogy of his life principle, his noble characteristics and his 
supernatural efforts to uplift his race which groveled in the 
mire of ignorance, was spoken in glowing terms of eloquence. 

Judged not from the heights he had attained but from the 
depths out of which he had risen, the citizens of Rochester 
paid homage to the memory of the dead statesman in fitting 
manner. 

Beneath a sunless sky, hidden by clouds, the commemora- 
tive and dedicatory exercises were conducted. Color was lent 
to the general ensemble, for citizens had decorated their 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. ^i 

buildings in flags, buntings and rosettes of Stars and Stripes. 
Old Glory floated from all the public buildings, schools and 
many residences. The proclamation of the major caused 
many factories and business houses to close at noon and the 
laborers augmented the throng. 

Things so shaped themselves that there were four distinct 
features of the occasion. Chiefly the memorial exercises 
stood out in bold relief, then there was the big parade. 
Aside from these was the presence of Governor Theodore 
Roosevelt of New York state and lieutenant colonel of the 
Rough Riders. Lastly came the receptions to and by him. 
Three aides designated by Grand Marshal 1ST. P. Pond, Hon. 
A. J. Rodenbeck, Charles Van Voorhis and William H. Dris- 
coll. left the city at 9:05 o'clock in the forenoon, bound for 
Syracuse, to act as an escort of the Governor to the city. 
They met the distinguished party about 1 o'clock and board- 
ed the Empire State Express, where they were warmly greet- 
ed by the Governor. 

The fast train from Albany arrived two minutes ahead of 
time, just as though the engineer appreciated the impatience 
of the people and wanted to show his appreciation of the oc- 
casion. 

At 2:18 o'clock Governor Theodore Roosevelt stepped 
from the parlor car Tioga with the aides, Bishop A. Walters, 
Rev. James E. Mason and Rev. J. J. Adams. They were 
warmly greeted by Senator W. W. Armstrong, L. P. Ross, 
Edward Brown and Mr. Mitchell of the reception committee. 
The Governor was dressed in a dark gray suit and wore a 
light colored soft hat. After a few moment's consultation the 
party moved through the trainhouse amid the deafening 
cheers of the people assembled, to a carriage at the station 
entrance, drawn by four magnificent iron gray horses, 
and they were quickly driven direct to the reviewing stand in 
front of the Court House. Along the way the Governor was 



-^22 HISTORY OF THE 

given a continual ovation. Upon his arrival at the stand he 
was met by the executive committee, composed of Charles J. 
Brown, Hon. W. W. Armstrong, Mayor George E. Warner, 
James Fee, Charles U. Bastable, Charles H. Babcock, Valen- 
tine Fleckenstein, Hon. George W. Aldridge, Colonel James 
S. Graham and E. N. Walbridge. Seated on the platform 
were: Mayor George E. Warner, Presiding Justice Hardin 
and Associate Justices Spring, Nash and McLennan of the 
Appellate Division, Justices W. E. Werner and John M. 
Davy of the Supreme Court, County Judge A. E. Sutherland, 
Hon. W. A. Sutherland, Commissioners Knebel, Whalen and 
Johnston of the executive board, Judge Adams, Bishop A. 
Walters, Kev. J. E. Mason, John W. Thompson, Senator llis- 
cock, of Syracuse, Judge Haight, L. P. Ross, Alderman Cali- 
han, Hon. C. I.. Baker, George C. Treadwell, military secre- 
tary to the Governor, Lewis H. Douglass, Mrs. Rosetta D. 
Sprague, Charles R. Douglass, and Mrs. Helen Douglass, 
widow of Frederick Douglass; Rev. M. Carruthers, Rosa 
Sprague, granddaughter of Frederick Douglass, Mrs. Sarah 
Blackall, Mrs, Mary Seymour Howell and Miss G. Page. 

In addition to the above the following were invited to 
seats on the grand stand at the monument : 

L. P. Ross, Francis B. Mitchell, Edward S. Brown, A. G. 
Yates, George Eastman, T. J. Nicholl, Walter B. Duffy, J. 
L. Judson, George A. Benton, Hon. John M. Dunwell, Hon. 
William E. Werner, Hon. John M. Davy, Hon A. E. Suther- 
land, Hon. J. M. E. O'Grady, Hon. C.eorge A. Camahan, Dr. 
E. M. Moore, John M. Ives, R. A. Sibley, George Ellwanger, 
C. B. Woodworth, Frank Fritzsche, George B. Watkins, Max 
Lowenthal, Louis Greisheimer, L. M. Moore, J. Miller Kelly, 
Oscar Knebel, Milton ISToyes, William H. Tracy, Arthur 
Luetchford, William R, Peters, T. J. Swanton, E. A. Kalb- 
fieisch, S. B. Williams, Albrecht Vogt, Horace McGuire, 
Joseph T. Ailing, George H. Perkins, J. P. Henry, T. Bick- 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. ^23 

ford, P. H. Tawman, J. L. Whalen, Griff D. Palmer, L. L. 
Williams, James Johnston, Prank Stecher, aSTathaniel Foote, 
James Palmer, John U. Schroth, A. J. Reibling, Dr. Ogden 
Backus, Dr. E. B. Angell, A. T. Hagen, M. B. Schantz, B. B. 
Odell, Granger A. Hollister, L. A. Jeffries, William H. 
Jones, J. F. Wilber, George A. Redmond, George Roth, 
Charles T. Chapin, William Beard, H. F. Remington, George 
W. Archer, Hon. H. C. Brewster, Rev. J. W. A. Stewart, 
Rev. Thomas A. Hendriek, Frank J. Defendorf, E. M. Up- 
ton, W. W. Parce, J. H. Snow, H. F. Atwood, E. S. Etten- 
heimer, F. G. Beach, G. E. McGonegal, C. C. Meyer, F. A. 
Defendorf, Fairport; Carl F. Lomb, Charles Smith, R. M. 
Myers, G. B. Miller, James H. Boucher, John Connell, S. A. 
Servis, Henry Hebing, H. B. Hathaway, Lyman M. Otis, 
Anson C. Allen, Sol Wile, Rev. F. Defendorf, Hon. John 
Van Voorhis, George Everest, Captain H. T. Lomb, C. M. 
Everest, H. W. Sibley, T. B. Dunn, James R. Davy, Dr. J. 
M. Lee, J. G. Kalber, A. B. Hendrix, William Bartholomay, 
Matthias Ivondolf, Selden S. Brown, William Eastwood, John 
Fahy, Hon. Charles S. Baker, Rev. C. A. Barbour, Hon. A. 
J. Rodenbeck, Scott K. Newcomb, W. M. Jones, W. M. Mal- 
lett, Willis K. Gillette, Dr. T. F. O'Hare, Charles L. Hunt, 
G. H. Kingsbury, Brockport; Hon. B. F. Gleason, Brockport; 
Hon. John W. Hannan, Chris Merlau, Fred R. Hixson, 
Clarkson; George G. Mason, Webster; George Weldon, 
Louis Ernst, A. Greenberg, Bernard Dunn, M. M. Meyer, B. 
1ST. Jacobson, F. T. Church, James Gillis, Thomas Doud, 
John Owens, Brockport: James H. Redman, William C. 
Barry, Thomas Devine, A. M. Lindsay, V. T. Whitmore, 
Captain E. C. Parkinson, Fred Will, F. A. Brownell, Samuel 
Wilder, Samuel Sloan, E. K Curtice, F. P. Allen, Hon. 
Merton E. Lewis, D. C. Becker, William H. Driscoll, H. B. 
Graves, Hon. J. Breck Perkins, Charles E. Angle, Julius M. 
Wile, John B. Hamilton, Colonel H. S. Greenleaf, George 



^24 HISTORY OF THE 

AY. Percy, S. B. Mott, jr., Dr. C. E. Sumner, Joseph 
Michaels, L. G. AYetmore, Levi Hey, George W. Thayer, 
Frank Eitter, James D. Casey, Hon. George A. Hardin, 
Hon. "William H, Adams, Hon. Peter B. AIcLennan. Hon. 
Alfred Spring, Hon. Edwin A. Nash, Hiram Shaw, John M. 
Steele, W. A. AYillianison, John A. P. Walter, Dr. A. E. 
Gumberts, Hon. M. J. Calihan, Dr. D. H. AYaugh, Dr. James 
Buckley, John M. Louden, Albert Hondorf, David E. Sin- 
gleton, E. A. Cross, Adam X. Finucane, Charles H. Sage, 
Henry F. Marks, Henry L. AVhite, Ansel E. Wright, AYeb- 
ster; John B, Bourne, Frank G. Newell, George J. AYunder, 
Frank Wilber, Joseph Keller, Edward Englehardt, John 
Barnett, John M. Cashman, Dr. Wooden, Martin F. Bristol, 
Frederick Michel, William Gleason, Daniel Leary, O. B. 
AYebber, Herman A. Howard, Dr. Leroy Webber. John 
Mitchell, Dr. B. I. Preston, Eev. J. P. Kiernan, F. L. 
Dutcher. Dr. T. O. Tait, Edward Shaffer, James AY. Clark, 
AVilliam Thompson, Edward F. AA'ellington, Henry J. 
Thompson, James Briggs, Edward F. Ellsworth, AYilliam J. 
Quinlan, Joseph M. Schlesinger, Edgar Parkman, Charles L. 
Yates, George J. Knapp, George AY. Clark, Henry Oberlies, 
George H. Smith, John E. Howard, Michael J. Eagan, 
George M. Schwartz, Henry Bareham, Christian H. Tron- 
son, William J. Schmitt, A. Emerson Babcock, Arthur A. 
Sickles, Albert J. Gallup, Alphonso Collins, Edward E. Fris- 
bee, James H. Eedman, Marshall Todd, Eudolph Dubelbeiss, 
George Webster, Oscar E. Nichols, Albert P. Beebe, Joseph 
Hubbard Gaston, Dewitt C. Becker, Charles G. Schoen, 
James L. Sackett, Joseph H. Sherman, John Sutphin, Frank 
F. Jones, Philip Garbutt. 

Along the line of march, which was South Washington to 
Main, to State, to Central avenue, countermarch to Main, to 
Franklin street and to the monument, throngs lined each side 
of the street. Superintendent of Streets, Barnard, had roped 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. ]_25 

off the streets and perfect order resulted. From every point 
one could see the marching companies without any obstruc- 
tion breaking the evenness. 

Thousands viewed the marching bodies from the front win- 
dows of the tall buildings or from wagons drawn up at the 
street crossings. Expressions of admiration were heard on 
all sides, and it seemed to be the consensus of opinion that 
the parade was the prettiest that Rochester has ever had. 

The most imposing scene of the day was around the spot 
where stood the bronze figure of Frederick Douglass, stand- 
ing erect and portraying the colored statesman in his favorite 
and most effective pose. Here, and occupying every inch of 
the street and every foot of the grounds of the New York 
Central station, were gathered thousands upon thousands of 
citizens. Tn front of the large wholesale house of Garson & 
Meyer, where the stand for the speakers was erected, the 
crowd jammed and pushed, leaving scarcely room enough for 
the parade to move when it reached the scene of the unveil- 
ing, while from a hundred windows of that and adjoining 
buildings, more people hung out in enthusiastic eagerness to 
view the scene and hear the exercises. Upon the roof of the 
Central station, and from a train of passenger cars drawn up 
on the west end, spectators found room to stand or sit and 
cheer. From the roofs of the other buildings men with 
rifles fired volley upon volley of salutes as section after sec- 
tion of the parade passed by the monument in line. 

The spectators and distinguished citizens in the stand 
looked down upon a sea of faces, presenting a scene of bright- 
ness with summer gowns and gaudy ribbons fluttering in 
the fresh breeze. There was a crush and jam, a pullinsr and 
tugging to obtain best positions, and the police found their 
efforts useless to keep the crowd within the limits prescribed 
by the ropes. It was not a disorderly crowd, but an animat- 
ed one, and fed by the streams of people filing in from all 



12Q HISTORY OF THE 

portions of the city, it grew to immense proportions. Prob- 
ably 10,000 people saw the bronze statue of Frederick Doug- 
lass revealed as the folds of the Stars and Stripes were drawn 
aside. 

THE ORDER OF PARADE. 

Following was the order of parade: 

Platoon of police, Captain McDermott commanding, as- 
sisted by Lieutenants Schwartz, Zimmerman, Sherman, 
Ryan, Russ and Stetson. 

Colonel IN". P. Pond, grand marshal, and aides: H. S. 
Redman, personal aide; Joseph P. Cleary, Maurice Leyden, 
W. G. Ricker, E. W. Merrill, S. McAuliffe, Robert Patter- 
son, William Shelmire, Henry Ansell, B. F. Franklin, 
George A. Benton, George S. Burke, J. A. P. Walter, James 
Douglass, George Cripps, James R. Chamberlain, F. D. 
Mathews. Berry Jackson, Thomas Sprague, Walter Jones, 
Thomas E. Shaw, Louis Wilson, Louis Sprague, C. V. Lodge, 
George W. Thomas, "1ST. Huntington, John Galen, Frank Ells 
worth, William A. Niblack, William Driscoll, W. Martin 
Jones, Henry J. Simmelink, William S. Beard, C. L. Yates, 
John Ashton, Francis S. Macomber, William 1ST. Cogswell, 
Herbert Ward, W. H. McMath, Charles P. Lee, B. F. Glea- 
son, H. C. Brewster, Ira J. AVile, Frank Fritzsche, Ogden 
Backus, F. A. Brownell, J. P. Henry, T. B. Dunn, Percival 
Oviatt, Frank Wurtz, Jacob Spahn, Charles L. Hunt, J. 
Frank Wilber; Ernest Miller, bugler. 

The various divisions of the parade followed as given be- 
low: 

FIRST DIVISION. 

Commanded by Colonel James S. Graham, assited by the 
following staff: Arthur Luetchford, Horace McGuire, 
Thomas W. Ford, James Plunkett, C. C. Brownell, Dr. B. I. 
Preston, Julius Armbruster, Fred P. Stallman, George J. 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. ^27 

Oaks, George Weldon, William Richards, Porter Farley, 
James R. Chamberlain, W. K. Barlow, C. F. Wilson, Chris 
Heilbronn, Ed. B. Chapin, Dr. Richard Curran, Thomas 
Bnrchill, James Gosnell, James F. O'Neil, Milton Race, Ben- 
jamin Jackson, J. J. Augustine, Alfred Elwood, James H. 
Splaine, John Parks, Arthur S. Bostwick, John P. Hammill, 
Selden Page, W. M. Kenyon, William Sheldon, Maurice 
Leyden. James Douglass, Henry Norden, Anthony Wolters, 
Fred Bach, W. R. Foster. 

Fifty-fourth Regiment Band. 

Eighth Separate Company, N. G. S. 1ST. Y., Captain Hen- 
derson in command; 90 men. 

First Separate Company, 1ST. G. S. 1ST. Y., Captain Smith in 
command; 104 men. 

Naval Reserves, Lieutenant Walbridge in command; 75 
men. 

Walsh's Brigade Band. 

Survivors of the Old Thirteenth Regiment, Colonel Frank 
Schoeffel commanding; 30 men. 

O'Rorke Post, No. 1, G. A. R.; 80 men. 

Peissner Post, No. 106, G. A. R,; 50 men. 

George H. Thomas Post, No. 4, G. A. R.; 50 men. 

C. J. Powers Post, No. 391, G. A. R.; 60 men. 

E. G. Marshall Post, No. 397, G. A. R.; 45 men. 

T. F. Quinby Post, No. 640, G. A. R.; 35 men. 

Myron Adams Post, No. 84, G. A. R. ; 40 men in carriages. 

Regular Army and Navy Union Veterans; 25 men. 

Veterans of the Spanish War, comprising members of the 
Seventh Battery and 202d Regiment. Captain William 
Scanlan; 40 men. 

Sons of Veterans' Martial Band; 30 pieces. 

C. A. Glidden Camp, No. 6, S. O. V.; 60 men. 

O'Rorke Camp, No. 60, S. O. V.; 50 men. 

T. F. Quinby Camp, No. 13, S. O. V.; 40 men. 



228 HISTORY OF THE 

J. P. Cleary Camp, S. 0. V.; 60 men. 

Reynolds Battery, Captain Gilbert Reynolds; 25 men. 

Independent Martial Band of 20 pieces. 



SECOND DIVISION. 

Colonel S. C. Pierce, commanding. 
First Battalion. 

Principal Julius L. Townsend, commanding, headed by 
Minges' Band of 25 pieces. 

No. 3 School, 55 boys. Captain Stephen Lyons, First 
Lieutenant Sidney Todd, Second Lieutenant Ray Simmons. 

Xo. 4 School, 60 boys. Captain Clarence Robinson, First 
Lieutenant Sidney Todd, Second Lieutenant William Gor- 
man. 

Xo. 6 School, 60 boys. Captain William Johnson, First 
Lieutenant Hawley Handy, Second Lieutenant William 
Walker. 

Xfo. 10 School, 46 boys. Captain David Landau, First 
Lieutenant Harry Simmons, Second Lieutenant Edward 
Stahlbrodt, 

Xo. 11 School, 30 boys. Captain Charles U. Bastable, jr., 
First Lieutenant Arthur Lowenthal, Second Lieutenant 
Ralph Clarke. 

No. 1 2 School, 48 boys. Captain Lucius Irons, First Lieu- 
tenant George Clark, Second Lieutenant Roy Qualtrough. 

No. 14 School, 60 boys. Captain Clair Saile, First Lieu- 
tenant Norman Davis, Second Lieutenant Fred Meyer. 

No. 17 School. 44 boys. Captain E. J. Wright, First 
Lieutenant James Covill. 

Xo. 18 School, 55 boys. Captain F. Herdle, First Lieu- 
tenant E. IT. Burns, Second Lieutenant E. W. Locks. 

No. 10 School. 40 boys. Captain Ola Tefft, First Lieu- 
tenant Forbe« Rkllev, Second Lieutenant George Irv. 




HON. THEODORE ROOSEVELT. 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. ^29 

Xo. 20 School, 60 boys. Captain George Kogler, First 
Lieutenant James Hotchkiss, Second Lieutenant Warren 
Smith. 

Xo. 15 School, 80 boys. Captain Ronald Lehman, First 
Lieutenant Carlyle Hattleman, Second Lieutenant William 
Hall. 

Xo. 23 School, 26 boys. Captain William Barrows, First 
Lieutenant Edward Sickle, Second Lieutenant Glen Page. 

Xo. 24 School, 42 boys. Captain John Mosher, First 
Lieutenant Harry Gordon, Second Lieutenant John Parks. 

Xo. 30 School, 25 boys. Captain Burton Harness, First 
Lieutenant George Cannon. 

Xo. 31 School, 32 boys. Captain C. Piatt, First Lieuten- 
ant W. Llorr, Second Lieutenant W. Clark. 

Second Battalion. 

Principal Richard R. Searing, commanding. 

Xos. 7 and 34 Schools, 110 boys. Major J. LI. Patricks; 
Captains Walter McCauley and Harry Johns. 

Xo. 1 School, 30 boys. Captain James Mungovan. 

Xo. 13 School, 36 boys. Captain Milton Ingalls, First 
Lieutenant Alohzo Murray. 

Xo. 21 School, 32 boys. Captain Albert Boyce, First 
Lieutenant Fred Macherlein, Second Lieutenant Earl Ken- 
gal. 

Xo. 22 School, 56 boys. Captain Fred Van Grafeiland, 
First Lieutenant Charles Kingsley, Second Lieutenant 
George Eberwein. 

Xo. 25 School, 24 boys. Captain Frank Demmer, First 
Lieutenant Sidney Hall. 

Xo. 27 School, 36 boys. Captain John Harris, First Lieu- 
tenant Gustave Swader. 

Xo. 28 School, 40 boys. Captain Albert Wilson, First 
Liontenant Henry Freisch, Second Lieutenant Walter Smith. 



130 



HISTORY OF THE 



No. 29 School, 80 boys. Captain Ralph Head, First Lieu- 
tenant Harry Brightman, Second Lieutenant Alexander 
Stewart. 

No. 5 School, 42 boys. Captain William Crowley, First 
Lieutenant W. Torkinton. 

No. 32 School, 42 boys. Captain George Pierce, First 
Lieutenant Floyd Brown, Second Lieutenant Albert Sutter. 

No. 33 School, 36 boys. Captain Oscar Gulick, First 
Lieutenant William Brown, Second Lieutenant Harry Glen. 

No. 26 School, 150 boys. Captain John Horn, First Lieu- 
tenant William Brackett, Second Lieutenant Harlon Ray- 
mond. 



THIRD DIVISION. 



Third division, under command of Colonel John J. Pow- 
ers, with the following staff: Jefferson Young, L. C. Piper, 
John Zellweger, George W. Powers, A. H. Babcock, William 
A. Niblack, E. W. Budd, Fred Freund, A. S. Angel, Charles 
T T . Bastable, J. M. Wheeler, William S. Beard, William 
Barr, W. W. Barnard, Joseph Weinberg, John J. Moynihan, 
C. G. Galliger, F. B. Pierce, Henry Loewer, Dr. M. F. 
Rutherford, William Boyd, E. H. Damon, C. L. Ball, F. W. 
Sangster, P. A. White, F. G. Hartel. 

Hebing's Band. 

Anson Division, TJ. R. Knights of Pythias, Captain Stie- 
fel; 40 men. 

Imperial Division Knights of the Maccabees, No. 1, Cap- 
tain D. J. Coakley; 40 men. 

Knights of Calvin, Captain George Schmitt; 40 men. 

Knights of Malta, Captain F. B. Pierce; 47 men. 

City Newsboys, under command of Captain Isaac Lazarus, 
75 men in uniform. 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 131 

FOURTH DIVISION. 

The fourth division consisted of the State Industrial 
School hoys, headed by the following members of the board 
of managers in a tally-ho: Dr. G. G. Carroll, Captain 
Henry Lomb, Mrs. F. H. Kuichling, Judge Thomas Raines, 
Dr. G. W. Goler, Charles Van Voorhis, Miss Lura E. Ald- 
ridge, Dr. C. H. Losey. 

Colonel E. P. Kelly and Lieutenant Colonel A. I. Howard, 
regimental adjutant; Eugene Johnsberger, trumpeter. 

First Battalion — James Robertson, commanding; 25 men. 

Second Battalion — L. A. Reilly, commanding; 200 men. 

Third Battalion — Thomas Murphy, commanding; 200 
men. 

State Industrial School Band. 



FIFTH DIVISION. 

Fifth division under command of Major F. S. Cunning- 
ham, with the following staff: Jack Alexander, Scottsville; 
Thomas Sprague, Walter Jones, John Mines, James Holland, 
John Dinkle, Scottsville; Frank Simms, Scottsville; Frank 
"Whiting. Buffalo; Thomas Payne, Buffalo; John Spears. 

Lake View Band, 20 pieces. 

City Cadets, under command of Captain Chatfield, 50 men. 

Douglass Club, under command of Captain Henry Wil- 
liams, 150 men. 

Citizens in tally-hos and carriages. 

Douglass Club and band of Albion, N. Y. ; 25 men. 



SIXTH DIVISION. 

James W. Casey, commanding. 

One hundred citizens and ladies in carriages. 



Superintendent of Streets W. W. Barnard roped the 
streets along the line of march and requested all persons to 
keep on the walk. 



132 



HISTORY OF THE 



Additional general orders for the parade were issued as 
follows : 

O'Rorke Camp, No. 60, S. O. V. 

The officers and members of O'Rorke Camp, No. 60, S. 
O. V., are hereby ordered to report at the camp rooms, Citv 
Building, Front street, Friday, June 9th, at 1 o'clock, P. M., 
promptly, for the purpose of participating in the parade in 
honor of the unveiling of the Frederick Douglass monument. 

Members will report in regular street uniform and white 
gloves. 

By order of G. E. SNYDER, 

Captain. 

GEORGE M. FLEMING, First Sergeant. 



Headquarters Third Division Douglass Day Parade, 
Rochester, N. Y., June 7, 1899. 

Having been elected commander of the civic organizations 
in the city, and by order from the chief marshal, the same 
will comprise the third division. And in assuming command, 
will request that all uniformed companies or detachments 
participating will form promptly at 1:30 o'clock on Clinton 
street, between Main and Court, right resting on Court. All 
lodges and organizations appearing for parade, not in uni- 
form, will form on the left of the uniformed companies. 
Twelve or more members appearing for parade from any 
lodge will be given a place in line. From place of formation 
of line the division will proceed at 1 :45 o'clock sharp through 
Court, Exchange and Troup streets to place of formation on 
Plymouth avenue, with the main line, for parade. As this 
is to be a secret society division, it is hoped all will be out 
with full ranks and on time. 

The following aides are hereby appointed and will be 
obeyed and respected accordingly: Jefferson Young, L. C. 
Piper, John Zellweger, George W. Powers, A. H. Babcock, 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. ^33 

E. W. Budd, Fred Freund, A. S. Angell, Charles U. Bas- 
table, J. M. Wheeler, William S. Beard, William Barr, W. 
W. Barnard, Joseph Weinberg, John J. Moynihan, C. D. 
Galliger, F. B. Pierce, Henry Loewer, Dr. M. E. Kutherford, 
William Boyd, E. H. Damon, C. L. Ball, F. W. Sangster, P. 
A. White, E. G. Hartel. 

They will report for duty mounted and in uniform of the 
organization of which they are a member (if possible), at 1 
o'clock P. M., to chief of staff, corner of Clinton and Court 
streets. JOHN J. POWERS, 

Commanding Third Division. 

E. K WORRALL, Chief of Staff. 



Headquarters Gerard Commandery, No. 254, 

Knights of Malta. 

Sir Knights: You are hereby ordered to assemble at 

Commandery Hall, South Clinton street, Friday, at 1:30 

o'clock P. M. ; sharp, in full uniform, to take part in parade 

and reception of Governor Roosevelt. 

By order, F. B. PIERCE, 

Commanding. 
E. K. WORRALL, Recorder. 



Headquarters Anson Company, No. 16, 
Uniformed Rank, K. of P. 
Rochester, N. Y., June 7, 1899. 
The officers and members of this command are hereby or- 
dered to appear at their armory in full uniform for parade 
and reception of Governor Roosevelt, Friday, June 9, 1899, 
at 1 o'clock sharp. 

By order, JOHN J. POWERS, 

Captain Commanding. 
C. L. HOFFERBERT, Recorder. 



134 



HISTORY OF THE 



General Order No. 3 : 

The officers and members of Charles J. Powers Post will 
meet at their rooms., at Odd Fellows' Building, North Clin- 
ton, near East Main street, at 1 o'clock P. M., Friday, 9th 
instant, to participate in the celebration attending the un- 
veiling of the Douglass monument and the reception of the 
Goveror of the State of New York. All veterans not con- 
nected with participating organizations are invited to join tbe 
command. SHERMAN D. RICHARDSON, 

G. A. NICHOLETT, Adjutant. Commander. 



Commander Graham issued the following order: 
Headquarters First Division 

Douglass Monument Parade, 
General Order No. 1: June 7, 1899. 

Having been assigned to command the first division of the 
parade at the unveiling of the Douglass monument, all vet- 
el ans of the Civil and Spanish wars and Sons of Veterans are 
cordially invited to parade in honor of an occasion proving 
that in this republic the lowliest may rise to a high place in 
the hearts of his countrymen, and also to give fitting welcome 
to the Governor of our Empire State, and as an expression of 
our esteem for him as a citizen soldier. 

The several organizations will form promptly at 1:45 
P. M., Friday, the 9th instant, on Spring street, facing west, 
the right resting on South "Washington street as follows: 
Escorting the veteran division, the Eighth Separate Com- 
pany, N. G. S. N. Y.; First Separate Company, N. G. S. 
N. Y.; Naval Reserves, S. N. Y.; O'Rorke Post, No. 1, G. 
A. R.; Peissner Post, No. 106, G. A. R.; George H. Thomas 
Post, No. 4, G. A. R.; C. J. Powers Post, No. 391, G. A. R.; 
E. G. Marshall Post, No. 397. G. A. R. ; Myron Adams Post, 
No. 84, G. A. R.: I. F. Quinby Post, No. 409, G. A. R.; vet- 
erans of the Spanish war, Sons of Veterans. . 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 135 

Other veteran commands and unattached members wishing 
to parade, on application will be assigned places in the line. 

The following aides are hereby appointed and will be 
obeyed and respected accordingly: 

Thomas C. Hodgson, special aide; Arthur Luetchford, 
James Gosnell, Horace McGuire, James F. O'Neil, Thomas 
W. Ford, Milton Race, James Plunkett, Benjamin Jackson, 
C. C. Brownell, J. J. Augustine, D. B. I. Preston, Alfred El- 
wood, Julius Armbruster, James H. Splaine, Fred P. Stall- 
man, John Parks, George J. Oaks, Arthur S. Bostwick, 
George Weldon, John P. Hammill, William Richards, Selden 
Page, Porter Farley, W. M. Kenyon, James R. Chamberlain, 
William Sheldon, W. K Balon, Maurice Leyden, C. F. Wil- 
son, James Douglass, Chris Heilbron, Henry Norden, Ed- 
ward B. Chapin, Anthony Wolters, Dr. Richard Ourran, 
Fred Bach, Thomas Burchill, W. R, Foster. 

They will report mounted, wearing the uniform of their 
organizations, or in dark clothes, to Thomas C. Hodgson, spe- 
cial aide, at the corner of Spring street and Plymouth ave- 
nue, at 1:45 P. M. 

The attention of the commanders of organizations is called 
to general order No. 1, by Colonel N. P. Pond, chief mar- 
shal, published in the journals of the 7th instant. 

By command, J. S. GRAHAM, 

Marshal First Division. 

Official: 

THOMAS C. HODGSON, Special Aide. 



Headquarters Monroe County 
Spanish-American War Association. 
Special Order No. 2: 

All members of this association are requested to assemble 
at the New York State Armory at 1:30 P. M., June 9, 1899, 



130 



HISTORY OF THE 



to participate in the parade and ceremony of unveiling the 
Douglass monument. All regulars and volunteers residing 
in this county, who enlisted for the Spanish-American war 
are respectfully invited to join with us, wearing fatigue uni- 
form and campaign hat. 

By order of F. J. HESS, 

Senior Vice-Commander. 



COMMENCING OF THE EXERCISES. 

It was but a few minutes after 3 o'clock when Governor 
Eoosevelt was driven up Central avenue, and entered the 
building of Garson, Meyer & Company, in front of which the 
stand had been erected. Five minutes later the advance 
guard of the procession, headed by Marshal 1ST. P. Pond and 
staff, swung into the square from Franklin street, and made 
an attempt to lead the marching column in front of the stand. 
For a time pandemonium reigned, as the square was jammed 
with people, who had to move, and move quickly, to escape 
the iron of the horses' feet. The policemen got out their 
clubs and Colonel Graham issued his orders at the top of his 
voice, but the swaying mass of humanity soon pushed itself 
tip against another solid mass of humanity in the rear, and 
the horsemen were forced to halt, until the jammed mass 
could be relieved from its outer edges. 

As soon as the pavement in front of the stand had been 
cleared to a small extent, the various companies were 
marched in front, a portion of them countermarching, and re- 
turning up St. Paul street, and others continuing to Central 
avenue, and thus out to State street. In the meantime the 
State Industrial School Band had gathered about the stand, 
and as Governor Eoosevelt took his place on the speakers' 
platform they played the patriotic selection, "The Star 
Spangled Banner." The crowd were not to be outdone, how- 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. ^37 

ever, and joined their cheers with the enlivening strains of 
the music. As soon as quiet had been restored the regular 
order of exercises began. 

Arrangements had been made to accommodate about 200 
people on the stand, which was filled with the members of the 
reception committee, and other prominent citizens. Among 
those to occupy seats near the Governor's table, were Mayor 
George E. Warner, Senator W. W. Armstrong, J. W. 
Thompson, Rev. T. A. Hendrick, Eev. J. E. Mason, Hon. 
William A. Sutherland, Charles J. Brown, Rev. J. J. Adams, 
Dr. Waugh and the Governor's military secretary, George C. 
Treadwell. Grouped to the left of the speakers were the 
Douglass family who were present in the city during the cele- 
bration. The party was composed of Mrs. Helen Douglass, 
the widow of Frederick Douglass, Mrs. R. Douglass Sprague, 
and her brothers, Charles R. and Lewis H. Douglass, and 
Miss Rosita Sprague. 

Rt. Rev. Alexander Walters, D. D., Bishop of the Afri- 
can Methodist Episcopal Church, offered the following 
prayer: 

O, Eternal God, our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for 
what Thou art within Thyself, the Great and Mighty One; 
the Creator of all things visible and invisible; the Giver of 
all good and perfect gifts; the Author of everlasting life 
Truly Thou art worthy of the adoration of men and angels. 

We thank Thee for the gift of Jesus, Thine only begotten 
Son, and for the great salvation wrought out by His sacrifi- 
cial death, for its extent and sufficiency, and for eternal life, 
which comes to us through the Holy Ghost. 

We thank Thee for this beautiful world which Thou hast 
given us to enjoy. We thank Thee for the Christian church 
with all its uplifting influences. We praise Thee for the 
many auxiliaries of the church and the great work they are 
doing for the uplifting of humanity. 



138 HISTORY OF THE 

We thank Thee for our great nation and her splendid insti- 
tutions. We thank Thee for the love of liberty possessed by 
the Pilgrim Fathers, which culminated in the independence 
of our country, and later in the emancipation of the slaves. 

We thank Thee for the human agencies which Thou hast 
employed in bringing about reforms in all ages of the world, 
and especially for the life, character, talent and work of him 
whom we have this day assembled to honor. May this monu- 
ment which has been erected to the memory of the foremost 
negro of America be the harbinger of the banishment of 
prejudice from our land, and the dawn of the day when char- 
acter and intelligence shall be fully recognized, regardless 
of color. 

We invoke Thy blessing upon the promoters of this enter- 
prise, Mr. Thompson and the committee associated with him, 
the Mayor and other officials, and the generous citizens of 
Kochester. We beseech Thee to continue with Governor 
Roosevelt, whom Thou hast so signally blessed in the past. 
Guide, counsel and direct him in affairs of state. We pray 
a blessing on all in authority with him. Grant to his Excel- 
lency the President of these United States, his cabinet, con- 
gressmen and all rulers, Thy special favor. Give them wis- 
dom and courage to perform their duty faithfully, and espe- 
cially to put a stop to the lawlessness which is disgracing us 
as a nation. May they be directed and guided by Thee in 
all their councils. 

Bless our foreign possessions; grant us sufficient wisdom 
and grace to do whatever is best for their greatest develop- 
ment, happiness and peace. 

Continue Thy blessings upon our army and navy, our insti- 
tutions of learning, and upon all hospitals and homes for the 
poor and friendless. 

Grant that truth, righteousness and fair play may prevail 
everywhere. Give to every home in this land peace and 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. ^39 

prosperity; save up from the pestilence that walketh in dark- 
ness and the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 

Forgive us of all sins as individuals and as a nation. Give 
us the Holy Spirit to strengthen us in the inner man, to coun- 
sel, guide and protect us, and finally bring us to the haven of 
eternal rest. 

And unto Thy name shall be all the praise, Father, Son 
and Holy Ghost. Amen. 

MAYOR GEORGE E. WARNER'S WELCOME ADDRESS. 

Chairman Thompson introduced Mayor Warner, who 
made the address of welcome. The Mayor said, in part: 

"Soon after the death of Frederick Douglass, a representa- 
tive of his race, John W. Thompson, said to me that a monu- 
ment should be erected to the memory of Frederick Doug- 
lass, and in honor of the deeds which he performed and the 
heroic work he accomplished. He said he also believed it 
should be erected in the city of Rochester, where Mr. Doug- 
lass lived for so many years and formed so many ties of per- 
sonal friendship. 

"What he said at that time to-day is transformed into solid 
truth, and you see before you this elegant monument, erected 
by the enthusiasm and zeal of our people. It affords me 
great pleasure to add that, owing to the indefatigable zeal of 
some of our citizens who have been prominent in this work, 
that it is entirely free from debt; the sum to secure such a 
consummation having been completed within the last few 
hours. 

"The Governor of this state has consented to come to 
our city for this day and event, and I am glad to see so many 
of our people, regardless of politics, who have come here to 
see him and to greet the chief representative of our great 
state. I am glad to extend to you the hearty welcome of this 
city, and may you take away with yon a happy remembrance 
of the city of Rochester." 



240 HISTORY OF THE 

MONUMENT UNVEILED. 

As soon as the Mayor had finished, Miss Gertrude Aleath 
Thompson pulled the Stars and Stripes from the monument, 
and the large, bronze figure of Douglass stood forth to the 
view of the assembled crowd, and the people applauded. 
Immediately a chorus of thirty voices, under the direction of 
Mrs. R. Jerome Jeffrey, sang a song entitled, "His Name 
Shall Live Forever." It was very effectively rendered. The 
words are as follows: 

Unveil the statue ! let us see 

That noble face once more, ' 
Which nations honor everywhere, 

And we, his race, adore. 

His history, his life, his death, 

Are fresh before us yet; 
His words of wisdom, and his work 

We never can forget. 

He came of lowly birth 'tis true — 

A negro and a slave; 
He proved what negro men can do, 

Wnen noble, true and brave. 

Then we will follow in the steps, 

And let the nations see, 
That there are others in our race 

As truly great as he. 

Chorus. 

And his name shall live forever, 

For honor wrote it high; 
The memory of his greatness 

Shall never, never die. 
His name shall live, 

His name shall never die. 

The above was composed for the occasion by Alonzo Scott. 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 14} 

SPEECH BY THEODORE ROOSEVELT. 

The chairman made a brief speech in presenting the Gov- 
ernor, in which he said that it was not long ago when the call 
came to protect the honor of the American flag and Gov- 
ernor Roosevelt went to the front as the commander of the 
Rough Riders. He achieved fame and won honor, and the 
people called him to the chief office of the state. It will not 
be very long before the people will call upon this brilliant 
young statesman to be president of the United States. 

"I now take pleasure," h said, "in introducing the Gov- 
ernor of the state, Hon. Theodore Roosevelt." 

As the Governor arose the crowd set up a hearty cheer, 
and it was some moments before he could begin. But when 
he did get started he succeeded in gaining the attention of 
the multitude as none of the other speakers had. Of course 
he was the Governor, and that counted for a good deal; but 
he looked sturdy and determined, and did his own good share 
in keeping the close attention that he held. He was some- 
times interrupted with applause, but it could never be very 
vociferous, for he immediately exclaimed, in a quick, decisive 
way, "Just a minute; just a minute," and by that time the 
cheering was stopped. He spoke entirely without notes, and 
held his audience under his control with remarkable skill. 
He said: 

"Mr. Thompson, Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen: I now ask 
you to be as quiet as possible. Avoid pushing for the sake of 
the women in the crowd. I am glad to be here. I am proud 
to do my part in honoring the memory of a man who was 
worthy of his race, because he was a worthy representative of 
the American nation. 

"Doubly proud I am to take part in a representative way in 
a demonstration in which so prominent a part is played by 
the old soldiers, who fought for four years for that race to 
which Frederick Douglass belonged, in order that there 



242 HISTORY OF THE 

might be an undivided and indissoluble union. Doubly proud 
am I, comrades of the last war, that you and I had the chance 
last summer to show that we were at least anxious to be not 
unworthy sons of you who fought in the great war. 

"Here to-day, in sight of the monument of the great col- 
ored American, let us all strive to pay the respect due his 
memory by living in such a manner as to determine that a 
man shall be judged for what a man is; without regard to his 
color, race or creed, or aught else, but his worth as a man- 
That lesson has a double side and I would dwell upon one side 
just as I would on the other side. 

"The worst enemy of the colored race is not the white man 
who abuses the colored man, but the colored man who fails in 
his duty as a citizen. The worst enemy of the white race is 
not some worthless wretch, some colored man who does an 
infamous act against the white race; it is the white wretch 
who acts so as to make us ashamed of our people. 

"I would I could preach that doctrine, that it is best for 
each to know and realize, that all over this country, not 
merely in the South, but in the North as well, shameless 
deeds of infamous hideousness shall be punished speedily; by 
the act of law let shameful crime be punished, not avenging 
it by another crime. I would preach to the colored man that 
the vicious and disorderly elements in his own race are the 
worst enemies of his race. I would preach to the white man 
that he who takes part in lawless acts, in such lynchings as 
we have recently known, is guilty not only of a crime against 
the colored race, but guilty of a crime against his own race 
and guilty of crime against the whole nation. Men who took 
part in the present lvnchings were guilty of such hideous 
atrocity as should forbid them forever to hold up their heads 
as American citizens. 

"If it were in my power, I would feel that I could render 
service to my country such as I would render in no other, by 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 



143 



preaching that doctrine in its two sides to all who are any 
degree responsible for the crimes by which our country has 
been disgraced in the past. It is for the interest of every 
man, black and white, to see that every criminal black and 
white, is punished at once, and only under the law. Every 
body of men who usurp the province of the law, who usurp 
it by committing deeds which would make a red Indian blush 
with shame, prove that they are not only unworthy of citizen- 
ship in this country, but that they are the worst enemies this 
country contains. 

"There is a great lesson taught by the life of Frederick 
Douglass, a lesson we can all of us learn; not merely from the 
standpoint of his relations with his colored race, but his re- 
lations with the state. The lesson that was taught by the 
colored statesman was the lesson of truth, of honesty, of fear- 
less courage, of striving for the right; the lesson of disinter- 
ested and fearless performance of civic duty. 

"I would appeal to every man in this great audience to take 
to heart the lesson taught by this life ; to realize that he must 
strive to fulfill his duty as an individual citizen, if he wishes 
to see the state do its duty. The state is only the aggregate 
of the individual citizens. 

"There is another thought that I want to preach to you, a 
lesson to be learned from the life of the colored statesman, 
Frederick Douglass; strive to do justice to all men, exact it 
for yourselves and do it to others. 

"I am glad of the chance to speak to you here to-day on 
this subject. I am glad to have the chance of being here 
to speak in honor of the distinguished services of an Ameri- 
can, of a race that has been treated infamously in the past, 
a race that is still treated unfairly and that it will require 
years of toil before it can assume its proper place with the 
other races in this country. 

"I am glad Frederick Douglass has left behind him men of 



144 HISTORY OF THE 

his race who can take up his mantle: that he has left such a 
man as Booker T. Washington, a man who is striving to 
teach his people to raise by toil to be better citizens, by reso- 
lute determination to make themselves worthy of American 
citizenship, until the whole country is forced to recognize 
their good citizenship. 

"I am glad to have the chance to come here because I feel 
that all Americans should pay honor to Frederick Douglass. 
I am glad to be able to speak to so many men of his race and 
to impress on them, too, the lesson to be drawn from the life 
of such a man. I am more than glad to speak to an audience 
of Americans in the presence of a monument to the memory 
of Frederick Douglass; a man who possessed eminent quali- 
ties of courage and disinterestedness in the service of his 
country. To appeal to you to demand those qualities in your 
public men that made Douglass great; qualities that resulted 
in the courageous performance of every duty, private and 
public. 

"I wish to call your minds to a little application of these 
principles of immense consequence at this time. During the 
last session of the Legislature the members put upon the 
statute books one of the most important laws ever recorded 
there, which is that the corporation which benefits so much 
from the powers given it by the people should bear a share of 
the expense of government. "We acted, not against any cor- 
poration, nor as the friend or enemy of men of means, simply 
as the friend of the state, by insisting that all men do their 
duty. (Voice — "That's right.") I have seen in the public 
press lately notices of more than one attempt that is to be 
made by corporations in the courts to defeat, through some 
technicalities, a law that was designed for their own protec- 
tion. As a man to others and as one who deprecates class or 
social hostility, I wish to emphasize the danger to which these 
men by such an attitude expose not only the state but the cor- 




MISS GERTRUDE A. THOMPSON. 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 



145 



porations as well. They may make up their minds abso- 
lutely that the franchise tax law has come to stay. (Ap- 
plause.) I am as sure as I can be that any successful at- 
tempt made to overturn this tax will result in putting upon 
the statute books a more drastic law than the one at present 
there." 

PRESENTATION TO MISS GERTRUDE A. THOMPSON. 

As soon as the Governor had finished speaking he pre- 
sented a $20 gold piece and a handsomely engraved testi- 
monial to Miss Thompson, in behalf of a number of citizens. 
The testimonial read and was signed as follows: 

Rochester, N. Y., Tune 9, 1899. 
We, the undersigned, friends and acquaintances of Ger- 
trude Aleath Thompson, highly appreciate her appearance 
on this memorable occasion, in unveiling the monument of 
Frederick Douglass, statesman, and leader of his race, who 
has fallen by the will of Almighty God. We therefore re- 
quest the Hon. Theodore Roosevelt, Governor of the State 
of New York, to present to her this gift of gold, asking the 
divine blessing of the Almighty to rest upon her, now and 
forever. 



John Besinger, 
Lewis Pigeon, 
Andy Walsh, 
Jane Morehouse, 
Kate Fowler, 
George Knobles, 
William Raitz, 
M. Roth, 
Mary Monro, 
Eugene Keefe, 
H. Vandyke, 
Albert Britt, 



Emile Maurer, 
H. Arnold, 
Charles Voshall, 
O. J. Tassell, 
J. A. Lautis, 
E. R. Carseaden, 
( !. IT. Johnson, 
Georgo Miller, 
T. Mullen, 
William Salmon, 
James Morgan, 
Harry Purely, 



Walter Lewis, 
H. San tee, 
L. O'Brien, 
Ella L. Jennings, 
R. L. Kent. 
Leon J. Du Bois, 
Charles Colman, 
Ernest Miller, 
James Glasko, 
Goehry, 

< reorge Driscoll, 
Charles Lang, 



146 



HISTORY OF THE 



S. Millman. 
J. Reidy, 
Tom Wilson, 
H. Maxwell, 
A. Klem, 
Floyd Manning, 
William J. Smith. 
John Cooper, 
Henry Tabb, 
Charles Bleasi, 
Henry Johnson, 
George G. Gates, 
John Noonan, 
Howard Weller, 



Lizzie Parker, 
II. Jones, 
S. Parker, 
W. Ahearns, 
George Copp. 
M. McCarthy, 
Charles Majett, 
II. Stuimarch, 
Mrs. O. W. Moore, 
J. W. Hall, 
Frank Pierce, 
E. Bogner, 
Eva Franc, 
W. Santee, 



Fred Cole, 
P. Eeidy, 
Peter Young. 
D. Deavenport, 
Whipple, 
Albert Moir, 
Johana Heaney, 
Mortimer Crouch, 
R. G. Salter, 
Delia Gorman, 
John Roziskey, 
John McCarthy, 
Henry Wilson. 



PRESENTATION TO GOVERNOR ROOSEVELT. 

Then followed one of the prettiest and most effective 
scenes of the day. Chairman Thompson raised his hands 
for the people to become quiet, followed with the statement 
that there was a delegation of the Rochester newsboys pres- 
ent, and they would present the Governor with a testimonial. 
As soon as the chairman had made the announcement, Eman- 
uel Jacobwitz, representing the boys, stepped smilingly to 
the front of the platform and presented the Governor with 
a badge, saying: 

"Ladies and Gentlemen: Perhaps it is astonishing to 
you for me to address the honorable people of Rochester. I 
could not express in words the greatness Douglass has done. 
We, as a rising generation, look upon his monument not as 
the past but as an encouragement of great deeds for the 
future. 

"We read that about forty years ago the South fought 
against the freedom of the negroes, but in this late war the 
negroes proved not only one of the best fighting regiments, 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 147 

but fought to uphold the honor of North, South, East and 
West and all of this vast country under our flag of Old Glory. 

"This monument should be a pride for the city of Roches- 
ter, not only as a memento for the past statesman but also 
to encourage the people to follow the steps of such illustri- 
ous men as Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. 
Even now in onr presence stands a great man who proved 
himself one of the heroes of this last war. 

"Our Governor, Mr. Theodore Roosevelt, we, the Roches- 
ter newsboys, do hereby present to you this medal for a re- 
membrance of us and of our appreciation of you for your 
courage and ability and of our respect for you as a man." 

The Governor accepted the gift and was much pleased, 
thanking the newsboys and giving them at the same time 
some good advice. 

EULOGY BY HON. WM. A. SUTHERLAND. 

Hon. William A. Sutherland was then introduced and de- 
livered the following eulogy on Frederick Douglass: 

"He was born a slave. He first looked out upon life from 
behind the bars of a prison, unseen though not unfelt. His 
first reflective thought was to comprehend that he was a 
chattel, possessed of no right which a white man was bound 
to respect. He was a mere piece of valuable property — 
simply and only a thing! 

"And yet, life was as dear to him, and liberty as sweet, as 
to any of us. When therefore he was grown to the full sta- 
I ure of manhood as measured by years, though still of infan- 
lile attainments, the soul within him so moved his strong 
right arm that with one blow he burst the chains that held 
him, and escaping to ISTew Bedford, Mass., earned, by shovel- 
ing coal, his own first free dollar. Then he was a criminal 
in the eyes of the law of the land of his birth — a fugitive 
from what wjis called justice in Maryland. Forty years 
afterward a marble bust of Frederick Douglass was placed 



148 HISTORY OF THE 

in our University of Rochester. To-day, twenty years later, 
the city of Rochester attends upon the Governor of the Em- 
pire State as he unveils and dedicates the statue of Douglass. 
Decreed at birth to live and die in chains, doomed by the 
law of the land to mental, moral and spiritual darkness, flee- 
ing from the land of his unknown father, laboring with 
hands hardened with plantation toil to support his wife and 
family, a requisition for his arrest issued by the Governor of 
Virginia, chased from Rochester to Canada by United States 
marshals, he lived to be welcomed as a friend by the nobility 
of Europe, to be a guest at the tables of the titled ones of 
earth, and to carry his black face, and his back scarred by the 
lash of the slave-driver's whip, into the electoral college of 
the state of New York, there to drop into the urn one of the 
thirty-six votes which this imperial state contributed to the 
re-election of President Ulysses S. Grant. What a mighty 
span is measured by these events! From serfdom to sov- 
ereignty; from barbarism to nobility; from a voice quivering 
with fear 'of his master to organ tones of one of the. world's 
orators; from a mere piece of merchandise on the shores of 
the Chesapeake to a seat among the honored ones of earth — 
what a magnificent sweep ! 

"Except he was called of God he could not have been what 
he became. His it was to fulfill a mission as divinely or- 
dained as that given to Moses of old, or to Abraham Lincoln 
of his own day. Frederick Douglass was sent to the white 
people of the North, to prepare the way for the emancipa- 
tion of his race. He spoke as no other did of the barbarism 
of slavery, painting the picture with a brush dipped in his 
own personal experience. AYith voice and pen he awoke 
the slumbering conscience of the North. He aroused the 
sluggish giant, public opinion, and the people, unconsciously 
to themselves, were prepared for the settlement of a ques- 
tion whose arbitrament was to be the sword. 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 149 

"At an anti-slavery convention held at Salem, Ohio, in 
1847, Douglass tells us that when giving expression to his 
belief that the abolition of slavery would only be accom- 
plished by a blood atonement, he was interrupted by that 
quaint old negress, Sojourner Truth, with the question: 
'Frederick, is God dead?' 'No/ said Douglass, 'because 
God is not dead slavery can only end in blood.' With pro- 
phetic eye he foresaw the sanguinary contest which must 
wage before the grip of the slave holder would relax, tight- 
ened as it had been by throe centuries of self-feeding avarice 
and petrifying cruelty. 

"What would his prophetic eye see to-day, and what 
would be his message eon Id the bosom of the statue heave 
and the chiseled lips utter speech? 

"Would he warn the nation against a day of wrath on 
account of outrages inflicted in these days upon the people 
of his race? 

"In the early days of his campaigning through the North 
it was not fashionable to speak slightingly of slavery. There 
were timid ones who said 'Hush !' when he decried the hor- 
ribleness of human bondage. But God reigned and His 
prophets thundered His message until the day dawned when 
Douglass could triumphant sing, 'Mine eyes have seen the 
glory of the coming of the Lord.' 

"In these days it is thought by some not to be quite in 
good taste to publicly disapprove of burning negroes to 
death, lest it might, wound the sensitive natures of those 
who do the burning. But on such an occasion as this, when 
we have unveiled Douglass' statue, and by that act have in- 
voked the presence of his spirit upon this platform, surely 
here it may be permitted to consider those evils which fol- 
low the trail of slavery and did not perish with its extinc- 
tion. 

"The demoralization of the slave holder was part of the 



150 HISTORY OF THE 

curse entailed by slavery. He who practices brutality upon 
others becomes himself a brute. Cruelty is a demon, which, 
finding entrance to men's souls, displaces the better nature, 
waxing fat to expansion by feeding upon atrocities. Three 
centuries of slavery brought the master, as well as the slave, 
down from manhood towards the brute, and upward they 
must climb together. Historians have pointed out the hell- 
ish effect of the gladiatorial games upon the inhabitants of 
ancient Home; and those of our day who could delight in 
Spanish bull fighting were well fitted to be the oppressors of 
Cuba. We may not marvel then that the seeds sown in 
the days of slavery spring up and bear fruit in the second 
and third generation. To torture negroes to death is not 
a new amusement in the South. I was told once by a gen- 
tleman born and reared in a Southern state that in his vicin- 
ity two young men out for a lark sought out, bound and 
burned up a negro slave just for the fun of it, and that the 
only human punishment inflicted upon them was the recov- 
ery and collection of a judgment in favor of the master for 
the value of his slave. The moral sentiment of the com- 
munity in which this occurrence took place seems to have 
been fully appeased by the payment of $1,000, not to the 
widow or orphans of the deceased, but to the white man who 
owned him. 

"No denial has been made of the recent publication in our 
newspapers of a negro dying with smallpox, whose passage 
into the next world was expedited by a gang of white men, 
who set a torch to his little cabin and sent him to heaven in 
a chariot of lire. There was no master to claim $1,000 in 
this case, and of course the widow and orphans did not count 
for they were negroes also. 

"A few months ago a negro accepted the appointment of 
postmaster at Lake City, North Carolina, and no one has de- 
nied that this was the reason why he was expeditiously mur- 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 151 

dered, one of his children burned up, and other members of 
his family severely injured. 

"A single justification is offered in the claim that these 
things must needs be in order to prevent the ravishment of 
Southern white women, just as though every mulatto walk- 
ing the streets of a Southern city does not in his own person 
make significant reply to that allegation. 

"But to the murderers' plea there is another answer. For 
four long years, from 1861 to 1865, all the white men in 
the seceding states who could bear arms were at the front, 
with their attention fully occupied by the boys in blue. 
They left their wives, and sisters and daughters to the mercy 
of the black slaves, but the result was not mulattoes born of 
white mother?-, and the honor of the white women of the 
South did not in those days need the guardianship of out- 
rages inflicted upon black men. 

"To the inhabitants of Rochester there is another answer. 
Familiar with the active operations of the societies for the 
prevention of cruelty to animals, we would not endure pub- 
lic exhibitions previously advertised of cruel conduct even 
to the beasts of the field. jSTo one would be permitted in the 
community which has erected and unveiled Douglass' mon 
ument to burn to his death even a mad dog, though he had 
lacerated and poisoned the fairest and the best in Rochester. 

"Whoever be the criminal, whatever be the crime, no 
matter how great the horror of the community at the of- 
fence, whoever is charged with crime, be he ever so guilty. 
and especially if, peradventure, he be innocent, is entitled 
to receive from any people claiming to be civilized, a full, 
fair, just trial, and punishment, if guilty, only at the hands 
of the law. ISTo lover of his country, then, can contemplate 
these unpunished outrages without deepest apprehension fov 
the future of the country which tolerates them. It is im- 
possible to read accounts of excursion trains jammed with 



152 HISTORY OF THE 

white men, rushing to sniff the odors of burning human 
flesh and to feast their eyes upon the agonizing death con- 
tortions of a human face, without an unbounded sense of 
amazement and horror at the display of brutishness nor 
without shuddering at the fearful punishment which must 
some day follow close upon such brutality. 

"Doubtless many good men and women in the South de- 
plore as deeply as do the good men and women in the North 
these frightful occurrences, but they and we alike are guilty 
unless their efforts and ours be united to put an end to these 
inhumanities. Because the nation shut its eyes and folded 
its arms in presence of slavery, God sent civil war. What 
punishment shall be ours if we shut our eyes and fold our 
arms in presence of these later days atrocities, only he 
may know who saith 'Vengeance is mine. I will repay.' 

"It is not so much for the colored man as the white that 
1 raise my voice to-day. Because we suffered human slav- 
ery in our midst the hand of God was laid upon the entire 
country, and the North as well as the South felt the rod of 
His chastisement. Expiation for the crime of slavery came 
upon the white man and white woman of the North as well 
as of the South. If, therefore, these atrocities be un- 
checked and their perpetrators go unwhipped of justice, 
even as cruelty feeds upon cruelty, so will brutality unre- 
strained and murder unchecked, feeding upon themselves, 
breed an awful progeny of demoralizing passions among the 
whites, until, as the fire and the brimstone were rained from 
above upon Sodom and Gomorrah, even so will the lightning 
wrath of heaven be sent to lick up the people given over to 
this festering abomination. 

"It is not so much for the negroes, then, that I plead to- 
day. They display a marvelous patience and self-command. 
The words of advice which have fallen from the lips of their 
bishops and their leading public men are words of God-like 




HON. WILLIAM A. SUTHERLAND 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. ^53 

counsel; and the meekness and humility with which this suf- 
fering people accept whatever fate is in store for them surely 
indicate the nearness of these, His black children, to our 
Father which is in heaven. 

"That they have not turned with terrible anger and awful 
vengeance upon their persecutors is due neither to lack of 
bravery nor of aptitude or skill in the use of arms. The 
heroism of the colored troops in our Civil war is now un- 
hesitatingly praised by those who wore, the gray, as well as 
by those who wore the blue. The Ninth and Tenth Cav- 
alry of our regular army, composed of colored men, recruit- 
ed from the South as well as from the North, fought by the 
side of the Hough Riders at the storming of San Juan Hill, 
winning undying fame by their steadfast courage and their 
indomitable pluck. No man in this presence and in the 
hearing of the Governor of our state, then colonel of the 
Rough Riders, can dispute the bravery, the manliness, the 
patience or the discipline of these black soldiers of our reg- 
ular army. The war for the deliverance of Cuba uncovered 
additional foundation for the song of Paul Lawrence Dunbar: 

So, all honor and all glory, 

To those noble sons of Ham, 

The gallant colored soldiers, 
Who fought for Uncle Sam. 

"But the persecuted will not turn upon the persecutors, 
and the oppressed will not become, the oppressors, for the 
Ethiopian has exhibited the noblest qualities of manhood. 
Patient ,and well nigh uncomplaining under suffering, his 
faith in the future righting of his wrongs by the guiding- 
hand of an overruling Providence may well be studied to the 
profit of his proud Caucasian brother. 

"Perchance in these new days of expansion, when well 
nigh against our will we are compelled to succor and develop 
the mixed and inferior races of Cuba and the Philippine 



154 



HISTORY OP THE 



Islands, the way may just now be opening up to lift this 
black man's burden from his back by leading the white man 
of all parts of this land away from the patbs of cruelty and 
into the paths of mercy. 

"In Douglass' presence, whose mission was to the white 
people of the earth, let us, their descendants, take heed of the 
lessons so painfully learned from '61 to 'G5, and for the sake 
of our white population,. no less than for the black, give ear 
to the cries of the oppressed. 

Oh, Douglass, thou hast passed, beyond the shore, 

But still thy voice is ringing o'er the gale ! 
Thou'st taught thy race how high her hopes may soar, 

And bade her seek the heights, nor faint nor fail. 
She will not fail, she heeds thy stirring cry, 
She knows thy guardian spirit will be nigh, 
And rising from beneath the chast'ning rod, 
She stretches out her bleeding hands to God ! 

POEM BY SHERMAN D. RICHARDSON. 

Sherman D. Richardson read a poem written in honor 
of the dedication of the monument, entitled "A Tribute. 
From the G. A. R." The poem is here reproduced: 

Beneath the Eastern skies amid old Egypt's sands 

A godhead, hewn from out a rough rock mountain, stands; 

A fossiled thought of man conceived when time was young 

To wait until creation's final knell is rung. 

Beneath Columbia's sky that arches Freedom's lands 

A Sphinx of Liberty in solemn grandeur stands; 

With gaze that seems to penetrate eternity 

When man in God from earth and time is free. 

That face was once the humblest form of potters clay 

That scarcely knew the light or felt the warmth of day; 

Imprisoned 'neath the rocks of sin so long 

That it had taken on the imagery of wrong. 

But God was fash'ning out a likeness, ever planned, 

With square and compass and the chisel in his hand, 

And as the days of greatness rolled their torrents into years, 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. -£55 

A masterpiece of glory from chaotic shade appears. 

Hear the chisel slowly working in the clank of slavery's 
chain, 

In the lashings deep of bondage, in a life of care and pain ; 

In the triumphs of a spirit, that was born to do and dare; 

In the courage of a hero driving mammon to his lair; 

In the thunder of the battle 'mid the carnage and the smoke, 

Carving out the lines of glory with a never faltering stroke. 

But at last the work was finished, and the world with bated 
breath 

Saw unveiled the form majestic, by the royal hand of death; 

Saw the look of solemn grandeur gazing up the steps of 
time ; 

Saw the sign of man's Jehovah on that likeness hewn sub- 
lime. 

The chorus of forty voices, under the direction of Mrs. 
IJ. Jerome Jeffrey, sang "Old Glory," and Rev. J. J. Adams, 
of Rochester, pronounced the benediction, thus bringing 
the exercises to a close. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

DESCRIPTIVE AND INTERESTING FACTS AND 
LETTERS. 

The monument was made by the Smith Granite Company, 
Westerly, R. I. The model for the bronze statue was made 
in Washington, during the spring of 1898; Sidney W. Ed- 
wards, sculptor. Charles R. Douglass posed for the hand- 
some bronze statue that so gracefully portrays his illustrious 
father in life, as lie stood before an audience in Cincinnati, 
Ohio, soon after the adoption of the fourteenth and fif- 
teenth amendments to the Constitution of the United States, 
and uttered these words: 

"Fellow citizens: I appear before, you to-night for the 
first time in the more elevated position of an American cit- 
izen." 

The pedestal is made of the best Westerly gray granite, 
is nine feet high, and the bronze statue eight feet high; total 
height, seventeen feet. There are also four bronze, tablets 
containing these words, from some of his famous speeches: 

On the east side of the shaft, is the following, taken from 
a speech made by Douglass on the famous Dred Scott de- 
cision in 1857: 

"I know no soil better adapted to the growth of reform 
than American soil. I known no country where the condi- 
tions for effecting great changes in the settled order of 
things, for the development of right ideas of liberty and 
humanity, are more favorable than here in the United 
States." 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. I57 

West side is the following extract from a speech on West 
Indian emancipation, delivered at Oanandaigua, August 4, 
1857: 

"Men do not live by bread alone; so with nations, they 
are not saved by art, but by honesty; not by the gilded 
splendors of wealth, but by the hidden treasure of manly 
virtue; not by the multitudinous gratifications of the flesh, 
but by the celestial guidance of the spirit." 

North side are these quotations from the speeches of 
Douglass: 

"The best defense of free American institutions is in the 
hearts of the American people themselves." 

"One with God is a majority." 

"I know of no rights of race superior to the rights of hu- 
manity." 

South side: 

"FREDERICK DOUGLASS." 

Between each tablet are handsomely carved palm leaves. 



CHARLES REMOND DOUGLASS. 

Charles Remond Douglass, who posed for the Douglass 
bronze statue, youngest son of the late Frederick Douglass, 
was born October 21, 1844, in Lynn, Mass. At the age of 
four years his father's family removed to Rochester, N. Y., 
-where at the age of six years young Douglass entered the 
public schools of that city. He first attended ~No. 15 school 
on Alexander street. While attending school young Doug- 
lass also assisted once a week in his father's office, folding 
and carrying to the city subscribers I lie "North Star," pub- 
lished in the interests of the anti-slavery movement. At 
the age of sixteen he left school and went to Lockport, N. 
V., to learn something of farming, and worked on the farm 
of Thomas Pierson until the breaking out of the War of the 



J 5 8 HISTORY OF THE 

Rebellion. Just prior to this time, however, and a few 
months before John Brow r n made his appearance at Harper's 
Ferry, bo acted as messenger for Brown, while he was in 
seclusion at Rochester, having for a time full charge of the 
carrying and delivery of his mail. 

When it was announced that colored men would be ac- 
cepted as soldiers, young Douglass was the first of his race to 
enroll his name in the state of New York. He enlisted 
February 9, 1863, with Major George L. Stearns, of Boston, 
for the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. He 
served thirteen months with this regiment as acting first 
sergeant, Company F, and was afterwards promoted to first 
sergeant in Company I, Fifth Massachusetts Cavalry, with 
which regiment he served during the siege of Petersburg, 
Va., and in the Army of the James until near the close of 
the war. 

After the war he was employed as hospital steward in the 
Freedmen's Hospital at Washington, during the year of 
1865. Tn the fall of that year he resigned and returned to 
his home in Rochester, where, in September, 1866, he mar- 
ried Mary Elizabeth Murphy, who died some thirteen years 
later. 

Tn 1867 young Douglass was appointed to a first class 
clerkship in the War Department, being the second colored 
man to receive such an appointment in the executive depart- 
ments of the government since its foundation. Shortly 
after said appointment, Senator Roscoe Conkling secured 
him a similar appointment in the United States Treasury 
Department, where he served for over seven years. Dur- 
ing his service in the Treasury Department he was detailed 
to accompany the Santo Domingo commission in 1871 to 
that country, and served as clerk to the commission for 
three months. Tn 1875 he was appointed TTnited States 
consul to Santo Domingo, serving in that capacity for three 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. ^59 

year? and until the serious illness of his wife compelled him 
to return home, when he resigned. 

After the death of his wife he again took up his residence 
in Washington, where he now resides. He has served for 
a number of years on the school board of the District of 
Columbia, was for several years secretary and treasurer of 
the county schools of the district, was adjutant, captain and 
major of the famous Capital City Guards, and also held 
commissions from Presidents Cleveland and Harrison in the 
District of Columbia militia. Besides these duties, he has 
been a pretty active correspondent for several papers, and 
has also been engaged in newspaper work together with his 
brothers, Lewis H. and the late Frederick Douglass, jr. II i* 
second wife is the daughter of the late Alfred Haley, of 
Canandaigua. N". Y. He has two sons, Joseph, the violinist, 
and Haley G., who is about entering one of the Eastern col- 
leges. He graduated from Harvard University in May. 
(1900). 

MRS. R. JEROME JEFFREY. 

The subject of this sketch came from Boston, Muss., and 
made her home in Rochester, 1ST. Y., during the winter of 
1891. Mrs. Jeffrey at once became very popular among the 
citizens, taking an active part in every progressive movement 
of the Afro-American citizens. She had always been a club 
woman, and commenced at once attending the meetings of 
white club women, and then organizing clubs among her own 
race. She was appointed a member of the Douglass Monu- 
ment Committee by J. W. Thompson, in 1897. Mrs. Jef- 
frey did all within her power, and acted with the committee 
until the work was completed. But she is at her best in or- 
ganizing Avoman's clubs and working for the upbuilding of 
the race as will be seen by the work accomplished by orgnni- 
zations in Rochester. 



IQQ HISTORY OF THE 

One of the best organizations, is the Susan B. Anthony 
Club, in honor of the reformer who has always been so 
friendly to the Afro-American race. One department of this 
club is the Mothers' Council, whose object is to help mothers 
of little children. Mrs. R. J. Jeffrey is the president of the 
above named club, the Climbers, and also the Hester C. Jef- 
frey Club, that has taken her name. The motto of the Climb- 
ers is "Lifting as We Climb." The motto of the Hester C. 
Jeffrey Club is "Higher, Still Higher." The last two organi- 
zations are for young girls and young women. Mrs. R. J. 
Jeffrey was the National Organizer of Colored Women's 
Clubs, ISTew York State President of the Fedsration of Col- 
ored Women's Clubs, and was also sent as a delegate to the 
state convention at Albany, by a white club of Rochester, 
KY. 

Mrs. Jeffrey held for some time the position of County Su- 
perintendent of the W. C. T. TT. and Secretary of the Third 
Ward W. C. T. IT. and Section President of the Needlework 
Guild of America. 

TRIBUTE TO FREDERICK DOUGLASS. 

On the morning of February 2fi the body of Frederick 
Douglass was brought to Rochester from Washington and 
borne to City Hall, where it lay in state till the hour for the 
funeral in the afternoon. It is eminently appropriate that 
Frederick Douglass should bo laid to rest in Mt. Hope. As 
the older generation of Rochester men remember, and as has 
been repeatedly recalled within the past few days, it was 
here that the "North Star" rose. In this city its first feeble 
rays were turned on the darkness to the South. In Rochester 
the foundations of its editor's fame were laid. It is fit then 
that in Rochester the last wreath of praise should be laid 
upon his coffin. 

The wealth of a nation is its glorious names and the story 
of their patriotic deeds. A city's great dead is a treasure that 




CHARLES R. DOUGLASS. 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 161 

is incorruptible and continually active for good. The tomb 
of Frederick Douglass in time to come will bear mute witness 
to the reward of uprightness and unselfish devotion to the 
cause of right. To future generations it will evidence the 
honor paid to the courage and honesty which not only over- 
came the crudest handicap of birth, but was instrumental in 
remolding the fate of a wronged people. If the public sense 
of justice should ever grow dim; if wrong should ever gain 
the advantage, the grave of Frederick Douglass will be an in- 
spiration for true men to rise again. This is why it is well 
for this city that Frederick Douglass is buried here. 

LETTERS OF REGRET. 

Chairman Thompson, of the Douglass Monument Com- 
mittee received many letters of regret from conspicuous 
citizens of the republic, who were unable to be present, but 
who desired to place themselves on record, as admirers of the 
great man. 

THE PRESIDENTS LETTER. 

Executive Mansion, 
Washington, April 3, 1899. 

My Dear Sir: Your letter of the 30th ultimo, with re- 
gard to the unveiling of the Douglass monument at Roches- 
ter, N". Y.. has been called to my attention, and I very much 
regret that it will be impossible for me to be present on 
this occasion. 

The life of Frederick Douglass presents many features 
worthy of the closest emulation. His great work, first for 
the emancipation of his race, and when that was accom- 
plished, for its industrial, intellectual and moral upbuilding, 
will cause his memory to be forever cherished in the hearts 
of his people. As editor, author and lecturer he labored 
zealously for their advancement, and it is altogether fitting 
that permanent expression be given, in a monument raised 



I 02 HISTORY OF THE 

in his honor, of the admiral ion and respect with which his 
life and character are regarded by his countrymen. 

With best wishes for the complete success of the unveil- 
ing ceremonies, believe me, 

Very sincerely yours, 

WILLIAM MoKlXLEY. 



New York, .1 une 6, L899. 
Mr. J. W. Thompson, Rochester, X. Y.: 

Dear Mr. Thompson: I sincerely regret that I shall be 
unable to attend I ho unveiling ceremonies. Wo are nil 
grateful to you for the splendid heroic work von have done 
in raising this monument to our greatest and most beloved 
man. Yours truly, 

T. THOMAS FORTUNE, 
Editor New York Age. 



1 (:;:; Bacon St rod. 
Washington, D. C, June 5, L899. 
Mr. John W. Thompson, Chairman, Rochester, X. Y.: 

My Dear Sir: Many, many thanks for your kind invita- 
tion to be present at the unveiling of the Douglass monu 
nciit on the 9th instant. It will ho an historic occasion, 
and I deeply regret my inability to attend. The citizen- of 
Rochester are entitled to, and will have the thanks of tin 
entire race, for the patriotic and creditable manner in which 
they have seen fit to honor and perpetuate the memory of 
the race's world wide champion. 

Yours very truly, 

P. B. S. LI XVII LACK. 

Ex Governor. 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 1Q3 

Tuskegee, Ala., June 5, 1899. 
Mr. John \V. Thompson, Chairman Douglass Monument 

( lommittee, Rochester, X. Y. : 

My Dear Sir: I very sincerely regret that it is impos- 
sible for me to accept the very kind invitation which you 
have extended me to be present at the unveiling of the mon- 
ument erected to the memory of Frederick Douglass. It is 
a very fitting circumstance that, in Rochester, the scene of 
his early trials and struggles, ;i monument should rear its 
head heavenward to commemorate the worth and works of 
one whose sincere service was ever in behalf of humanity. 
Mr. Douglass is still our hero. His life will ever be an in- 
spiration and a hope; and up from the depths from which In; 
sprang other- of his race have come, and are coming, to 
show, and to prove, that his great life in their behalf was 
not lived in vain. Great, as was his life, and great as it now 
appears, its influence will still grow upon us with increasing 
years. But, of this, I need not write. Others to be pres- 
ent will tell in story and in poetic song of the achievements 
of the greal American patriot, whose life was lived in be- 
half of justice and for the well-being of all mankind. 

Again expressing regrets that 1 am not permitted to share 
in the exercises attendant upon the formal unveiling of the 
monument erected to Mr. Douglass' memory, I am, 
Yours very truly, 

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON. 



The lion. John Dancy, collector of the port of Wilming- 
ton, X. ('.. who was one of the orators September 14, 1898, 
expressed his appreciation of the character of Mr. Douglass 
in the following letter: 



] (34 HISTORY OF THE 

Office of the Collector of Customs, 
Port of Wilmington, N. G, June 6, 1899. 
Mr. J. W. Thompson, Chairman Douglass Monument Com- 
mittee, Rochester, N. Y. : 

My Dear Sir: I am in receipt of your kind invitation to 
be present at the unveiling of the Douglass monument, the 
9th instant, and to contribute to the programme as one of 
the speakers. 

I feel more than honored by the latter invitation, in view 
of the fact that I enjoyed the rare distinction of delivering 
an address in September last, in eulogy of the great race 
leader and patriot. A second invitation lends to the belief 
that I must have said something on the former occasion which 
favorably impressed you at least. 

I never tire of doing honor to Mr. Douglass, because he 
never tired of defending my cause, when I was powerless to 
defend myself. And yet, withal, he was filled with that, 
spirit of conservatism which made him wise and safe in 
leadership, and prepared him for every exigency in life ; 
which constantly changing conditions would suggest. I 
heard him speak at a great colored industrial fair at Raleigh 
in this state, in 1879. I enjoyed the rare distinction of in- 
troducing him. But Governor Thomas J. Jarvis, then at 
the head of the state government, preceded him in an ad- 
dress of greath breadth, and full of kindly admonition to my 
race. Mr. Douglass was momentarily overcome by so con- 
servative and patriotic a speech from the Governor of a 
Southern state. Tears of joy trickled down his cheeks. His 
pencil rapidly ran through some of the more caustic of liis 
prepared utterances, until his speech harmonized in tone 
and friendliness with the liberal sentiments of the Governor. 
The Governor, who was quite a friend to our race, extended 
the olive branch and our great champion was diplomatic 
enough to accept it in the spirit in which it was offered. He 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 165 

began bis speech by remarking that he had hardly expected 
in his own lifetime to see his race present so grand a spec- 
tacle to the world as that exhibit of the handiwork then be- 
fore his gaze; and especially the Democratic governor of a 
great Southern stale commending our efforts and encourag- 
ing ns in such a speech as that to which he had just listened. 

Overcoming his emotion, he for the next two hours, de- 
livered one of the greatest and most comprehensive ad- 
dresses of his lifetime. The influence of that speech still 
remains with many of the white and colored people of the 
state, as the harbinger of I he day that will yet dawn upon 
ns all. 

Let the lesson of the grand and magnificent life be with 
ns all, a joy and an inspiration forever. As long as we can 
study and think of it, we have no just reason to lose heart or 
to cease struggling for that which lives beyond, if it is pos- 
sible of attainment. No dark cloud failed to discover its 
silver lining to him. A halo of glory in personal achieve- 
ment and triumph encircled his brow long 'ere the noon of 
our hopes had stranded its crescent on the early breakers of 
the morning. The monument that you erect to his memory, 
magnificent and uniform in its symmetry and proportion, 
is excelled only by the grander one he erected for himself, 
by the splendid and eternal lessons of his wonderful life. 

"For out of the gloom future brightness is born, 
As out of the night looms the sunrise of morn." 

Very sincerely yours, 

JOHN C. DANCY. 



THE DOUGLASS MONUMENT COMMITTEE. 



John W. Thompson, chairman. 

Mrs; R, J. Jeffrey. 

Henry A. Spencer, secretary. 

R. L. Kent, assistant, secretary. 

Hon. George A. Benton, treasurer. 

Ex-Congressman II. S. Greenleaf. 

Hon. Charles S. Baker. 

Bishop Alexander Walters, D. D., N". J. 

T. Thomas Fortune, New York City. 

Benjamin N. Simm's. 

F. S. Cunningham. 

Thomas E. Plainer. 

E. R. Spanieling, Owego, N. Y. 

Thomas H. Barnes, Olean, N". Y. 

Rev. James E. Mason, D. D. 

Benjamin E. Cleggett, Geneva, N. Y. 

Theodore Dnffin, Geneva, 1ST. Y. 



CHAPTER XV. 

HOW DOUGLASS WAS REGARDED BY THE ROCH- 
ESTER PRESS. 

FROM THE ROCHESTER UNION AXD ADVERTISER. 

The morning of February 26, 1895, the body of Frederick 
Douglass was brought to Rochester from Washington and 
borne to the City Hall, where it lay in state till the hour 
for the funeral in the afternoon. It is eminently appropri- 
ate that Frederick Douglass should be laid to rest in Mount 
Hope. As the older generation of Rochester men remem- 
bi r and as has been repeatedly recalled within the past few 
days, it was here that the "North Star" rose. In this city its 
first feeble rays were turned on the. darkness to the south. 
In Rochester the foundations of its editor's fame were laid. 
It is lit then that in Rochester the last wreath of praise 
should be laid upon his coffin. 

The wealth of a nation is its glorious names and the torj 
of their patriotic deeds. A city's great dead is a treasure 
that is incorruptible and continually active for good. The 
tomb of Frederick Douglass in time to come will bear mute 
witness to the reward of uprightness and unselfish devotion 
to the cause of right. To future generations it will evi- 
dence the honor paid to tin- courage and honesty which nor 
only overcame the cruelest handicap of birth, but was in- 
strumental in remolding the fate of a wronged people. It 
the public sense of justice should oyer grow dim: if wrong 
should ever gain the advantage, the grave of Frederick Dous 
lass will be an inspiration for true men to rise again. This 
is w\iy it is well for this city that Frederick Douglas 
buried here. 



168 



HISTORY OF THE 



FROM THE ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE. 

The unveiling of the Douglass monument June 9, 1899, 
was an event of more than local significance. It is not sim- 
ply the figure of one who was formerly a distinguished resi- 
dent of Rochester which is to he uncovered in the presence 
of a great multitude, but, that of a man who in intellectual 
stature and gifts, as well as in the services he rendered to 
the cause of Freedom, was the supreme representative of his 
race. 

Frederick Douglass was a princely man; princely in form 
and bearing, and princely in the qualities of his mind and 
heart. Born under the most disabling conditions which 
could encompass a human being in this land of ours, he 
broke, one after another, the fetters that bound him and 
rose to an altitude of moral and intellectual influence hardly 
equaled by that of any other man in the country. He owed 
nothing to adventitious fortune or aid. Always, from the 
hour when, as a slave boy, he asserted his right to liberty by 
leaving his master and home, down to the clays of dignity 
and honor in old age, surrounded by the comforts as well as 
the luxuries of life won by his own efforts, he maintained 
unsullied the independence of his manhood. He was never 
the man to 

— bend the supple hinges of the knee, 
That thrift might follow fawning. 

Often subjected to slurs and insults on account of his race 
and color, he maintained the simple dignity of his character, 
standing erect but not defiant, looking unabashed upon the 
liliputians whose sneers were of no more account to him than 
the humming of gnats in the air of a summer evening. 

Ond endowed him with the gift of eloquent speech, speech 
that came from a heart large and tropical in its warmth, but 
not volcanic in its outbursts except against wrongs embodied 
in institutions and laws; speech that flowed in rounded sen- 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. ^g(j 

tences, in vivid metaphors, in swordlike thrusts of wit 
around which always played the lambent light of a sunny 
humor. He had a broad, generous nature. He could make 
allowance for weakness, and pitied, as the Man of Galilee 
did, the unfortunate and the suffering. He loved the 
bright and happy phases of life. The bitter and acidulated 
spirit of cynicism met with no responsiveness from him. 
From first to last he was true to the cause of oppressed hu- 
manity whether it was found under the dark skin of his own 
race or among those who had formerly been his oppressors. 

It is in honor of such a man that the monument provided 
for by the colored people of Rochester is to be unveiled to- 
morrow. The name and fame of Douglass have filled the 
world. In the days when his powers were at their zenith 
his eloquent voice was heard pleading for the rights of hu- 
manity, not only in the presence of great audiences and, 
sometimes, of hostile mobs in his own country, but before 
the great and the titled in foreign lands. It is therefore an 
honor to Rochester that a monument to his memory, sym- 
bolizing his personal presence, shall stand in one of our pub- 
lic places to remind citizen and stranger that Frederick 
Douglass always esteemed this as his home city. His dust 
lies embalmed in the sacred soil of Mount Hope, and his 
image will henceforth greet the eyes of our people, the 
token of a noble manhood which should prove an inspiration 
to future generations. 

The event of June 9, 1899, will bring to Rochester the 
distinguished Governor of this commonwealth and other 
visitors of note. There will be a parade worthy of the oc- 
casion, and the citizens will have an opportunity to show 
that in this land of ours high merit, though it may have to 
fight many a battle against bigotry and prejudice, may in 
the end receive cordial recognition and sincere acknowledg- 
ment from all the people. 



170 HISTORY OF THE 

PROM THE ROCHESTER TIMES. 

"What though on hamely fare ye dine, 

Wear hodden grey an' a' that; 
Gie fools their silks an' knaves their wine; 

A man's a man for a' that." 

To the memory of a man who dressed in plain clothes, 
who wore the garb of a slave, whose environments taught 
him that his color placed him in bondage- whose future, had 
he not hewn it out for himself, would have been east in long 
days of unrequited toil; who saw dimly the light of liberty 
and being, like Samuel, called of Grod to speak for his race, 
faced prejudice and polities and made the way plain to that 
end that the curse was removed from the land,- -to his mem- 
ory tin' city of Rochester, regardless of color, uniting with 
the people of the state, are paying tribute to-day. 

There was no reason, as men reason things, why Frederick 
Douglass should not have remained a slave all his life and 
died a slave, unknown, unsung, forgotten. Because he did 
not, I (ccause he climbed the Hill Difficulty and met and con- 
quered every obstacle, we remember him today. 

It is indeed the purest tribute of a grateful people when 
one who held no high civic place is remembered, as is Doug- 
lass. Republics are not always ungrateful, as monuments to 
heroism and worth the country over attest. 

To-day in Rochester we renew our faith in the republic 
at the foot of the statue of a man born a slave. Again we 
declare that liberty shall be proclaimed throughout all the 
land "and unto the people thereof," as we speak of the 
struggles of the black man whose figure towers in metal at 
St. Paul street and Central avenue. 

FROM THE ROCHESTER MORNING HERALD. 

Ill Rochester yesterday was celebrated an event unique 
in the history of the American nation — the unveiling of a 
statue immortalizing in imperishable bronze the form and 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. .j^ 

features of a negro. It was not a celebration restricted to 
the representatives of the negro race, but an event gladly 
participated in by the entire population of the city, for Fred- 
erick Douglass belonged not to his race alone, but to the 
American people. He represented not only the highest 
achievement and development of his race, he was equally a 
type of superior manhood and representative citizenship. 
Frederick Douglass established a precedent, fulfilled an ideal, 
that should serve — will serve — as an inspiration to the negro 
race in America for all time to come. 

Against the black scroll of race hatred and race prejudice, 
now happily fading from a clear national sky, this bronze 
statue of Frederick Douglass stands as a memorial in gold, 
a lasting tribute to a greatness of character and nobility of 
life that even the shackles of a slave could not bind down 
nor the black skin of a slave cloak from public view and 
recognition. By the sheer impetus of his own force of 
character, Frederick Douglass rose from a Southern slave 
pen to be the associate of presidents and the confrere of 
statesmen. The silver tongue of his oratory thrilled the 
ear of the English speaking world; and among the most po- 
tent, agencies for the abolition of slavery must be included 
the voice and heart and brain and soul of Frederick Doug- 
lass. 

No words can picture the boundless possibilities of influ- 
ence of such a life upon the people Frederick Douglass rep- 
resented. Iri that life the Afro-American will find never 
failing inspiration. If Frederick Douglass could accomplish 
what he did when he did, what may not the negro of to-day 
and to-morrow hope to attain? No goal is closed to him; 
no avenue of honorable endeavor is barred; he has at his dis- 
posal every legitimate means for his advancement as an in- 
dividual, his betterment as a race. The future of the negro 
in America rests largely in his own hands. Beside him, at 



172 



HISTORY OP THE 



once an inspiration and a benediction, stands the gigantic 
figure of Frederick Douglass, shedding the shining light of 
an illustrious example upon the future pathway of the race. 
From the executive mansion in the capital, the Governor 
of the Empire Stale came to do honor to the name and mem 
ory of Frederick Douglass; in the parade were the veterans 
of the Avar waged to emancipate his race; the public schools 
turned out their miniature companies; the uniformed socie- 
ties were represented; the business and traffic of an entire 
city were stopped while its citizens turned their steps toward 
the statue of Douglass. This was but the tribute of a day, 
however, the appropriate accompaniment of the ceremony 
of unveiling. In the years to come the real tribute of his 
race to the memory of Frederick Douglass will be found in 
their high standard of citizenship, their loyalty to the in- 
spiring ideal he established, their progress along the lines of 
right living and honorable endeavor. And as their fellow 
citizens of another color marched with them side by side to 
the unveiling of the Douglass monument, so should they 
stand with them and stand by them in their every future 
effort to be worthy of their illustrious prototype, Frederick 
Douglass. As Rochester was honored by his life among us, 
so is she honored by his grave and by his monument, two 
visible memorials of a great man and an honorable life. 

FROM THE ROCHESTER POST EXPRESS. 

The 9th of June the monument to Frederick Douglass was 
unveiled. The city was thronged with visitors to witness 
the ceremony. Eloquent tributes to the memory of the 
great anti-slave ry agitator were pronounced. But nothing 
was said or done that will give an adequate idea of the man 
or of the work that he did. Much less was anything said or 
done that gave an adequate idea of the age in which he lived 
and labored. Tt is only glimpses of him and of his times 
that can be had on such an occasion. Even if full knowl- 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 173 

edge of both were available, time would be lacking to set it 
forth. But these glimpses will serve a useful purpose. They 
will suggest to the generation that has grown up since the 
anti-slavery agitation and the great struggle that followed 
it that their country has a history — has heroes worthy of 
their study and admiration. 

It is not easy to overestimate the part that Douglass 
played in the abolition of slavery. At the time he first be- 
gan to appear on the anti-slavery platform and to deliver his 
powerful phillipics against the curse of American civiliza- 
tion, it was by no means generally conceded that the negro 
was a human being. While it was admitted that he had a 
certain mental and moral capacity, he was regarded by most 
of the advocates of slavery only as a superior kind of animal. 
While he could laugh and talk, learn a trade and do some 
other things common to white people, he did not posses; 
those higher traits that no animal ever exhibited. He did 
not have a soul: he could not reason; he felt none of the 
lofty emotions of the Caucasian. When, therefore, Doug- 
lass appeared before vast audiences, and thrilled them with 
an eloquence that rivaled the eloquence of Beecher and Phil- 
lips, he gave a blow to slavery from which it never recov- 
ered. He proved that the negro was something more than 
an animal, and that he was fitted to be something more than 
a slave; he was a. human being, capable of all the emotions, 
thoughts, and achievements of any other human being. 

It may be said, as it has often been said, that Douglass 
was not a pure blooded negro, and was not, therefore, a fair 
example of the capacity of his race. It has been claimed, 
and it is still claimed, that whatever genius he exhibited 
was due to the white blood that flowed in his veins. But 
the argument never counted for much. He did not have 
white blood enough to blanch his skin, or to convert his fea- 
tures into those of a Caucasian, or to deliver him from the 



J 74 HISTORY OF THE 

cruel lash of the slave driver the moment he became old and 
large enough to add to the wealth of his master. He was 
regarded as a negro. He was often subjected to the dis- 
criminations against his race. Even if it were to be admit- 
ted that his white blood was a priceless advantage, it is cer- 
tain that his African blood did not prevent him from rising 
from the lowest depths of degradation and obscurity to a 
fame that filled the whole civilized world. Such a fact, im- 
mutable and unanswerable, swept away the mass of sophisms 
based upon the theory that the negro was no1 really a man — 
that he was destined by his creator to be a slave. It was 
more potent with doubting minds than all the logic and elo- 
quence of the whole army of abolitionists. 

But the work of Douglass was not confined to an illustra- 
tion of the moral and intellectual capacities of his race. It 
included energetic, aggressive and tireless warfare on the in- 
stitution that held his race in bondage. From the time he 
gained his freedom until every right enjoyed by a white man 
under the Constitution was guaranteed to the negro, he de- 
voted his giant strength and splendid powers as an orator to 
its overthrow. The iron of slavery had pierced his own 
heart, and he knew no other duty night or day but its imme- 
diate and complete destruction. He could not rest as long 
as he knew that one man was the master of another and had 
over him the power of life or death. But the abolition of 
slavery did not content him. He felt that unless the blacks 
had the same rights of citizenship as the whites, their free- 
dom could not be guaranteed. As soon as the war was 
over, he worked unceasingly to give them the ballot. But 
he knew that the ballot was not enough to insure them 
against oppression. He felt that they must be educated, 
and become the possessors of property. As soon as right of 
suffrage had been gained, he devoted himself to the work 
of fitting the emancipated race for the exercise of that right. 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 175 

He encouraged all educational and industrial enterprises. 
At the time of his death, he had the satisfaction of seeing 
negroes enjoy educational advantages not inferior to those 
of whites. He saw them increase in wealth almost beyond 
the dreams of the most ardent friends of the race. 

We have spoken of Douglass' ability ami achievements. A 
word remains to be said about his character. Beset on every 
hand as lie was for many years by the most pitiless enemies, 
they were never able to point to an act unworthy of an hon- 
est and pure-minded man. It was believed at one time that 
he was implicated with the treason of John Brown, and at 
the urgent solicitation of friends, he fled to England. But 
if he were guilty of complicity against the government of his 
country, it was no selfish motive that inspired him. His 
only aim was the deliverance of his country from an evil that 
he believed to be greater than an insurrection. Enemies 
have accused him of selfishness. But a man that could suc- 
cor a victim of age ami penury that had howled for his own 
life, or that could devote fifty years to the betterment of his 
own race and at the same, time suffer all the ohloopiv attache"! 
to a despised cause, was hardly guilty of that infirmity. Al- 
though if may be said that he felt toward the South after the 
war as he did before the war, it should not be forgotten that 
his sufferings at the hands of the slave power were not like- 
ly to soften any heart. But after all just criticism has been 
made upon his attitude toward that section, it must be ad- 
mitted that his work in behalf of humanity entitles him to 
the everlasting remembrance of every friend of freedom and 
Ox every enemy of wrong. 

FROM THK ROCHESTER UNION AND ADVERTISER. 

Several years ago prominent colored citizens of Rochester 
organized a movement Tor the erection of a monument to 
the memory of the colored soldiers who died in the war for 
the Union and invited co-operation by their white fellow 



176 HISTORY OF THE 

citizens, which was given, and initial steps had been taken 
for accomplishing the object when, on the 20th of February, 
L895, Frederick Douglass died at Washington. This oc- 
currence induced the committee to decide that a me- 
morial to him would embody what they had designed, and at 
the same time pay broader tribute to the achievements of 
representative men of their race, and so the work went on to 
the end of the presentation made to-day in the unveiling of 
the Douglass statue in this city. 

Back in the centuries, when England, Spain and Portugal, 
other countries contributing, and the American colonies 
themselves taking a hand as soon as they were able, planted 
the curse of African slavery on this continent, they little 
dreamt of the evolution that was to occur ere the dawn of 
1900. At what period it is impossible to determine, but cer- 
tain that at some time in the distant past the maternal an- 
cestors of Frederick Douglass were taken from the wilds of 
Africa, either by stealth or purchase, and sold into slavery 
upon the Atlantic coast of this country. In 1817 there was 
born to a slave mother of this African descent upon the plan- 
tation of Colonel Edward Lloyd, in Talbot county, Maryland, 
on the east shore of Chesapeake "Ray, and putatively to him, 
a son who took on the name of Lloyd, but subsequently 
changed it to Frederick Douglass. After escape from his 
master, purchase of his freedom with money contributed by 
friends in England, which country he had visited, and pass- 
ing through the many vicissitudes incident to such a life as 
eireumstanees compelled him to follow and which embraced 
a fair self-education, Mr. Douglass made liis advent in Roch- 
ester at the age of 30, in 1847, and established the "North 
Star,'* a weekly journal devoted to the abolition of slavery, 
of which he was editor. He was modest and unassuming in 
demeanor, was warmly received and substantially encouraged 
by many citizens, especially of the Quaker element, and was 




MRS. R. JEROME JEFFREY. 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. ]>j*t 

respected by all. If he was hitter and severe, as he some- 
times was, in handling; the subject of slavery without gloves, 
the "Hardshells" and "Silver Greys" of the old political par- 
ties who were classed as pro-slavery sympathizers because 
upholding the Constitution and the laws enacted thereunder, 
took no exception. They said he had a right to be bitter 
and severe, and even unreasonable and unpatriotic, while, 
they had no patience with his white associates of the Garri- 
son school who, on the 2d day of February, 1859, in conven- 
tion at the capital of this state, declared in a resolution writ- 
ten by William Lloyd Garrison, "that in advocating a disso- 
lution of the Union the Abolitionists are justified by every 
precept of the Gospel, by every principle <>f morality, by 
every claim of humanity; that such a Union is a covenant 
with death, which ought to be annulled, and an agreement 
with hell which a just God cannot permit to stand; and that it 
is the imperative and paramount duty of all who would keep 
their souls from blood-guiltiness to deliver the oppressed out 
of the hands of the spoiler and usher in the day of Jubilee; 
to seek its immediate overthrow by all righteous instrumen- 
talities." Tt was on the line of Garrisonian warfare that 
Mr. Douglass conducted his agitation against the institution 
of slavery, down to the eve of the slaveholders' rebellion 
when the publication of his paper ceased and he, although 
maintaining a nominal residence here, lived elsewhere, and 
after the war became a permanent citizen of "Washington, 
where he was given a number of offices of honor and profit 
by the Republican administration, of which he had been a 
hearty supporter from the foundation of the Republican 
party and nomination of Fremont and Dayton at Philadel- 
phia in June, 1856, on a platform that declared for prohibi- 
tion by Congress in the territories of "these twin relies <>| 
barbarism — Polygamy and Slavery." Although when, in 
1871, Mr. Douglass was given the Republican nomination 



178 HISTORY OF THE 

for member of Assembly from the district then composed of 
the city of Rochester, against George D. Lord, Democrat, 
his party constituency failed to support him as it should have 
done. The city was a1 that election Democratic by a hare 
majority — 151 for the head of the state ticket, Willers, over 
Scribner, Rep.; but Lord's majority over Douglass was 1,186 
— the aggregate vote of both parties in the city having been 
less than 10,000. The Assembly would have furnished a 
fine field for display of Mr. Douglass' oratorical powers, and 
test of his legislative abilities. It is, really, in sentiment, a 
tribute to the opportunities of evolution in American life, 
despite aparently insurmountable obstacles, that the Dong- 
lass statue stands before the public gaze, rather than a mon- 
ument to an individuality, or to the achievement of some 
great object of local or general public concern. Mr. Dong- 
lass himself expressed the idea forcibly in a letter to his 
friend, and the friend of the lowly and oppressed every- 
where, the late Samuel J >. Porter, of this city, when lie said: 
"It is not, however, the heighl to which 1 have risen, but 
the depth from which I have come, that amazes me." This 
idea is emphasized by the memorable reference of Chief Jus- 
tice Taney of the Supreme Court of the United States, horn 
in Calvert county, Maryland, on the oposite shore of Chesa- 
peake Bay from Talbot county, in tbeDred Scott case to the 
historical fact that "for more than a century previous to the 
adoption of the Declaration of Independence negroes, 
whether slave or free, had been regarded as beings of an in- 
ferior order and altogether unfit to associate with the white 
ri\co, either in social or political relations, and so far inferior 
that they had no rights which the white man was bound to 
respect." And the Constitution itself, based upon the Dec- 
laration of Independence, provided for perpetuation of the 
slave trade with Africa for a period of twenty years after its 
adoption, and for the return of slaves escaping from their 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. ^^9 

owners in one state and seeking freedom in another. In all 
this there has been wonderful evolution, of which the statue 
of Frederick Douglass is the personification. And it is in 
such character that the statue is to be looked upon and con- 
sidered, as imparting the lesson of Pope's lines: 

"Honor and shame from no condition risej 
Act well jour part, there all the honor lies." 



CHAPTER XVI 

HOW GOVERNOR ROOSEVELT WAS ENTER- 
TAINED IN ROCHESTER 

After the exercises at the monument had been concluded, 
Governor Roosevelt, accompanied by Military Secretary (i. 
C. Treadwell and Senator W. W. Armstrong, James S. Wat- 
son, L. P. Ross and E. S. Brown, members of the reception 
committee, visited the State Industrial School. Amid great 
cheering, the Governor and party arrived at 4:30 o'clock 
and remained at the school until 6 o'clock. The Governor 
many times expressed his admiration of the various depart- 
ments, and was much interested in the way the school was 
conducted. 

Eleven military companies, drawn up outside the entrance 
to the school, saluted the Governor, and as he alighted, 
he was greeted ly ex-Judge Thomas Raines, Charles 
Van Voorhis, Dr. G. W. Goler, Dr. C. H. Losey, Dr. George 
Carroll, Mrs. Emil Kuichling and Miss Aldridge, members 
of the hoard of managers of the school. Superintendent F. 
H. Briggs and the assistant superintendents and heads of i\t~ 
partments. 

Light refreshments were served beneath the trees in front 
of the woman's department. The luncheon was in charge 
of Miss M. E. Craig, matron of the institution, and was the 
handiwork of inmates of the department. The school hand 
rendered pleasing music during the luncheon. 

After the party had done ample justice to the repast, the 
Governor was conducted to the chapel. When he appeared 
he was greeted with tremendous cheers by the 750 boys and 
the 300 girl inmates. Under the leadership of the musical 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. ±gl 

directress, Miss E. V. Sharp, the boys and girls sang 
"Anchored" with much enthusiasm. 

Tn introducing Governor Roosevelt, ex-Judge Thomas 
Raines told the boys they might well derive inspiration from 
the life of the < lovernor, who, in war and peace, had made a 
record of which his countrymen were very proud. 

Governor Roosevelt spoke, in pari, as follows, to the as- 
sembled inmates: 

"I was very much pleased with the way you conducted 
vourselves when 1 arrived. Your officers must have drilled 
you well, and yon must have learned that the duty of the 
i in.' soldier is to obey orders. 

"I think when the time comes, yon boys will make good 
husbands and fathers. And 1 sincerely hope you will not 
forgel your duties to the state, and that you will use your in- 
fluence to secure the election of good men to office. 

"The discipline and order which you have been taught 
within these walls will he of much use to you in after years. 
Most of the great men in this world have become great be- 
cause they did little things with precision and faithfulness. 
The men in my regiment who did brave fighting in Cuba 
were the men who neve]- complained if they were told to 
wash dishes or do the other disagreeable things of camp life. 

"1 feel much pride when I look into your smiling faces, 
and have greal hopes of your success in future years. All I 
ask of you is that you shall face the big world and that yon 
will remember the many lessons yon have learned here, and 
be an honor to the country of which you are citizens." 

The exercises ended with the singing of the "ALarscillaise 
Hymn" in a manner which called forth favorable comment 
from all present. 

After the exercises, the Governor and the members of the 
reception committee visited the various departments of the 
institution. The directors pointed out the interesting fea- 



182 HISTORY OP THE 

tures of ike institution, and Superintendent Briggs explained 
the workings of the institution in detail to the Governor. 

The power house, laundry, carpenter shop and the cloth- 
ing and shoe departments were first visited. The Governor 
appeared to he much interested in the caps turned out by the 
youths in charge of the clothing department. 

The machine ami printing shops were next visited. The 
Governor remarked that the boys who erected the building 
containing* these departments had done much credit to them 
selves. After hurried visits to the pattern and blacksmith 
shops and the armory, the Governor visited the new build- 
ing of the boys' department. He was much interested in 
the supper of the youngsters, lie went about the dining 
room speaking kindly words to each of the boys. 

lie was next shown a company at drill, and talked to sev- 
eral of the individual members. As he was getting inter- 
ested in the hoys, a messenger brought word from Senator 
Armstrong that the Governor was several minutes behind 
time. On the way to his carriage, a large number of girls 
sitting on the lawn, greeted the Governor with cheers. 

When the Governor arrived at the carriage, he expressed 
much surprise at the lateness of the hour, and reluctantly 
left the institution. During his visit the Governor walked 
about the grounds with a stride which surprised the fastest 
walkers in the party. At the buildings, however, he was 
frequently told he could not tarry longer for lack of time. 

Amid cheers from the teachers and pupils of the institu- 
tion the Governor waved his good-lives and took a last look 
at the school, apparently much pleased with his visit. 

DINNER AT GENESEE VALLEY CLUB. 

Dinner was served at the Genesee Valley Club at G 
o'clock. In the yellow room, at a round table, decorated 
with peonies of yellow and white, the club colors, were seat- 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. ^83 

ed the guest of honor and his entertainers. On the right of 
Governor Roosevelt was seated Senator Armstrong and next 
to him James S. Watson. IT. G. Danforth was seated at the 
Governor's left and Military Secretary Treadwell occupied 
the seat next to Mr. Danforth. The others at the table were 
L. P. Ross and Edward S. Brown. Though of the best and 
elegantly served, the dinner was a very simple affair and 
there was no accompanying music. 

Those of the party who had never met the Governor be- 
fore described him as a very entertaining talker and ex- 
pressed themselves as delighted with his recitals of his 
Cuban experiences, which occupied the greater part of the 
dinner hour. It was a little after 7 o'clock when, the dinner 
being over, the party entered carriages and were 'driven to 
the ( Mint House lor the public reception. 

RECEPTION AT THE COURT HOUSE. 

Monroe county's million dollar marble Court House proved 
:m ideal place for holding such a reception. Festooned in 
the central rotunda, near the dome, and standing out from 
the marbles and brasses along the galleries, were draperies 
of the national colors and at intervals flags at full length re- 
lieved by beautiful palms in abundance. Brilliant with 
many lights, the elegant bronze candelabra, halls and open 
court presented a dazzling scene. 

On the right and just past the staircase, inclosed with vel- 
vet ropes, stretched between the two great marble pillars, 
wan a platform raised about a foot above the floor. On this 
and with the coat of arms of the Empire State emblazoned 
on a banner above, the Chief Executive of the common- 
wealth stood for nearly an hour giving hearty handclasps to 
the citizens of the Flower City. Rich and poor, young and 
old, black and white received the same cordial grasp of the 
hand and the same friendly smile. 



1S4 



HISTORY OF THE 



All day long the decorators, Bickford Brothers, were a1 
work in the Court House, and Charles IT. Bastable of the 
general reception committee was at all times present to over- 
sec and direct the work. The plan to hold the reception in 
the Court House originated with Mr. Bastable and its un- 
qualified success proved the value of the suggestion and the 
necessary executive ability to carry it out. Maurice Moll's 
orchestra of fifteen pieces discoursed music from the gallery 
on the second floor during the progress of the reception. 

Seven o'clock had been announced as the hour for the 
opening of the reception, but it was half an hour later be- 
fore the Governor and his party arrived. Nevertheless all 
who were assigned to duty were promptly on hand. Lieuten- 
ant Russ with twelve of the handsomest men on the police 
force arrived early. Xew York's Broadway squad in its 
palmiest days never presented twelve finer looking men than 
Officers Stein, Heinlein, Tindell, William O'Connor, Eugene 
Sullivan. Saunders, Sharp, Pearson, Decker, Schmucker, 
< teorge Sullivan and John Lane; every man of them over six 
feet tall. Two of the Protective police, Officers Simson and 
Smith, in their gray uniforms, were stationed at the stairways 
and took tickets from those were were admitted to the upper 
galleries. 

LOCAL, MILITARY STAFF. 

"Marching Through Georgia" was played by the Fifty- 
fourth Regimenl Band, which escorted the special staff of 
local militia officers assigned to duty on the platform with 
the distinguished guest. They were Captain H. B. Hender- 
son, Captain F. (i. Smith, First Lieutenant F. W. Bailey, 
First Lieutenant A. F. Smith, Junior Lieutenant F. M. Enos 
and Second Lieutenant F. T. Eigabroadt. In their elegant 
full dress uiforms they added a military halo to the scene. 

Then arrived in full dress Chief of Police Cleary, Cap- 
tains McDermott and Baird and Lieutenants Zimmerman, 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. ^5 

Sherman, Stetson, Schwartz and Ryan, and a moment later 
the Eighth Separate Company, Lieutenant E. N. Walbridge 
commanding, marched into the building. 

Fifty members of the Eighth New York Cavalry, veterans 
of the Civil War, under General William H. Benjamin, 
after their annual reunion at Irondequoit Bay, marched to 
Powers Hotel to tender their services as escort to the 
Governor and his party to the Union League Club. 

RECEPTION AT THE UNION LEAGUE CLUB. 

As soon as the reception was ended at the Court House 
the party was driven directly to the Union League Club 
wigwam, on Grand street, where the members tendered a 
rousing reception. The drive was a lively one, for all along 
the streets approaching the wigwam there were red lights, 
fireworks and the firing of guns. The street in front of the 
club's headquarters was tilled with people, and they cheered 
lustily as the Governor's carriage appeared, headed by the 
drill corps of the club, who had marched down South avenue 
to meet the party. 

The wigwam was handsomely decorated with flags and 
bunting, and the platform was arranged as an alcove, hand- 
somely festooned with flags. On the rostrum were Assem- 
blyman A. J. Rodenbeck, Hon. John Van Voorhis, Treas- 
urer Hamilton, Postmaster Graham, Charles J. Brown and 
others. 

WELCOMED IN POETRY. 

J. Frank Wilber welcomed the guests and the Governor, 
and said that the club had never been sorry for the loyal 
support it had given to the honored guest of the evening last 
fall. He introduced D. L. Ainsworth, who welcomed the 
Governor with the following poem: 



Igg HISTORY OP THE 

Soldier boys and civilians too 

Extend their thanks for this interview. 

It carries us back to ninety-eight 

When your valor honored the Empire State. 

We saw you leading with courage and skill, 

Cowboys and clerks up San Juan hill — 

We saw you again at later date 

Stumping for justice the Empire State. 

Von conquered the Dons and the Tammany Scouts, 
And American manhood won both bouts. 
With Justice the watchword in each strife 
Yuii battled each time for a better life. 
Alive and alert yen have not slept, 
But your every promise faithfully kept. 
Whether in field or halls of state, 
Vour service was worthy to emulate. 

A classic man you have put aside caste 

And merit deferred from first to last. 

Labor and capital, rich and poor, 

Enter alike at Roosevelt's door. 

Whether as Governor, civilian or scout, 

Veil have worked your way from the inside out. 

Inspired by justice to do the best 

Your every action has stood the test. 

The Union League grateful and true 

Ardently, earnestly welcomes you. 

Welcome the man who gave his youth 

In defense of freedom, justice and truth. 

Welcome the man of common clay 

Whose deeds have earned him the right of way. 

Comrade, brother, patriot true, 

We honor, admire and welcome you. 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 187 

WELCOMED IN PROSE. 

The poem of welcome was followed by a speech by C. A. 
Simmons, the captain of the drill corps. He said: 

Mr President: I am called upon to perform an excep- 
tionally agreeable task to-night. The Union League Club 
has been greatly honored by the presence as its guest <ri 
that idol of tin: people of the State of New York and the 
hero of this broad land of ours-that man of men-Hon. 
Theodore Roosevelt. 

In a time of the country's need that gentleman resign,.! 
his position as an executive officer of the United States and 
recruited that famous body of men-that fearless, awe-in- 
spiring, zealously patriotic regiment of fighters-the Rough 
Riders Called upon to finally assume full control ol the 
destinies of that command he responded in a manner which 
history will still repeat when all that lingers of the present 
generation is but a memory. 

' It is not fitting that I should here more than merely men- 
tion that famous charge of San Juan hill, the land battle 
which more than any other in the late war served to place 
the nation on a plane higher than it had ever before attained. 
Last fall this club stood heart and vote for Theodore 
Roosevelt and not a solitary member has just cause for regret. 
Proudly conscious of the great trust the sovereign people 
reposed in his manhood and his integrity, he has borne him- 
self such that they have come to realize a glowing fulfillment 
of their innermost desires-an honest, patriotic executive. ^ 
On yonder wall, fondly wrapped in the flowing folds ox 
the American flag, that emblem for which he fought so 
nobly and so well, and that of freed Cuba, in whose late his- 
tory lie played so conspicuous and remarkable a part, hangs 
a picture of a man whom the members of this club and the 
people of this city, this state and this country love to honor 
—Colonel Theodore Roosevelt. 



188 



HISTORY OP THE 



That picture was painted by Captain Russell, a veteran 
of the Civil War and a member of this club, and is to hang 
in the meeting room of this organization a mute but a glow- 
ing testimonial of the fidelitv of the man and the devotion of 
the club. It is the earnest and sincere wish of the members 
of the Union League Club that time may still further heap 
bountiful honors on the name and the fame of our distin- 
guished guest. 

THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH. 

President Wilber accepted the picture in behalf of the 
club and introduced Governor Roosevelt, who said in part: 

"I very deeply appreciate the honor yon have conferred 
upon me, and the thoughtfulness you have shown in present- 
ing this club with my picture, painted by a soldier of the 
great war, one who fought years where we fought months. 
You can hardly appreciate the way I am affected by the 
spirit you have shown in receiving me. I think you know 
I generally say what I mean and mean what I say. I assert 
that no political honor could compensate for this spirit of de- 
votion on your part. 

"I think every man should be honored for what he accom- 
plishes as a man, and for the fidelity he displays in keeping 
the promises he has made. A T o single promise T made or im- 
plied, but T have tried to the best of my ability to keep. I 
will make mistakes, we all make them, but they will be mis- 
takes made trying to serve my party by trying to make it 
stand for the safety and progress of the commonwealth. 

"Fundamentally a man must create his own happiness and 
welfare, but the state can do something to help him in re- 
ceiving the rights and liberties which we all inherit. It can 
equalize the burdens he must bear, and make the difficulties 
of government as light as possible. In matters of taxation 
and labor I have done the best I could to make my office one 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 189 

in which all men are treated equal, showing no favor to race, 

origin or creed. , ,. 

"I appreciate the honor yon have shown me, and shall en 
aeavor fo so conduct myself in the year and a halt which 
remains to me in office that T shall have, a Iree convene, 
when I front you again-for after all a man must be tru t 
his own ideals. Therein lies the best test of honest govern 
again thank you for the honor you have conferred 
;;;„„ me in hanging my picture in your club rooms and in 
giving me this splendid reception." 

DOUGLASS DAY. 

With flags flying from every masthead; amid the acclaim 

of the largest concourse of people in many years; a parade 
that included nearly all the military and civic organizations 
,,f the eitv; with exercises in which the Governor of the 
Empire State participated; with the booming of cannon and 
^cheering of the populace; the statue was unveiled tha 
1 ten ejected to the memory of the foremost colored 
statesman known to modern history, the most eouspieuou- 
historic figure ever seen in Rochester. 

Frederick Douglass has always held a warm place ,„ the 
memorv of Rochester. During many of the most active years 
If his life, when he was fighting his hardest battles tor the 
freedom of his race, when be was winning the great fame 
,L» gave him the high place he holds in history, be was 
e idem of this city. Here he had a wide circle oi fnends 
„,, was know to nios, of the older iubab Hants of be cty. 
Although in the later years of his life he lived ,u Washmg- 
;„„ i, was bis dving wish thai Rochester be his final vesting 
Otoe Her,, bis body was brought four cars ago and here 
;„ t he beautiful 1ft. Hope cemetery bis remains will repose 

forever. „j: t\ a110 .. 

t, was mosi fitting that the statue to the memory of Doug 

lass should be erected in the city of his adoption; that Root- 






] 9() HISTORY OF THE 

ester should be the place for his public monument. In pay- 
ing this tribute to the memory of a distinguished citizen the 
city honored itself. 

June 9th was a gala day in Rochester. The people turned 
out in such throngs as to crowd every available inch of space 
within 300 feet of the monument, standing for hours during 
the unveiling ceremonies. They thronged the Central sta- 
tion when Governor Roosevelt arrived and they lined up all 
along the streets through which the parade passed. 

The programme began at 2:20 o'clock in the afternoon, 
when the Governor reached the city, and did not end until 
late in the evening, when the various entertainments that 
had been arranged in his honor were concluded. The fea- 
tures of the day were the big parade that passed through the 
main streets of the city, the exercises connected with the 
unveiling of the monument on the square at, the junction of 
Central avenue and St. Paul street, the public reception at 
the Court House, and the entertainments at the Union 
League Club and at Fitzhngh Hall. 

While there was homage paid to the memory of the dead 
statesman, there was mingled a tribute of respect to the Gov- 
ernor of the state, who played a conspicuous part in the cere- 
monies of the day. Governor Roosevelt came to Rochester 
in an official capacity, as the head of the state government. 
As such he was welcomed by the municipality; the guest of 
the city. There was nothing, of course, that savored of par- 
tisanship or politics in this visit of His Excellency to Roch- 
ester. Democrats vied with Republicans in showing him 
respect and in helping to entertain him. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

COMMENT ON DOUGLASS' LIFE BY THE AMERI- 
CAN PRESS. 

He figured in a revolutionary time and will be set down in 
history as one of the most notable men of a fiery epoch. — 
Elmira Gazette. 

He lived in the stormiest epoch of our national existence 
and in his person typified the woes and oppressions of the 
black race. — Albany Journal. 

He was an eloquent speaker, a good debater, a man of 
business ideas, a devoted friend of his race and one of its 
most honored and most worthy representatives. — Syracuse 
Post. 

Certainly his was the school of adversity, and that he tri- 
umphed over obstacles such as would cause the bravest to 
turn back shows the unshrinking courage of the man. — Troy 
Times. 

The struggles of his life were many and hard, but by force 
of character he surmounted them all and became by all odds 
the most conspicuous negro America has ever known. — Ul ica 
Observer. 

As orator, editor and patriot he has left an impress upon 
history which will be ineffaceable. What a commentary is 
the career of Frederick Douglass upon the institution of 
slavery! — New York Advertiser. 

If a list were to be made of the Americans who have done 
the greatest service to large numbers of (heir fellow citizens, 
the name of Frederick Douglass would have a high place 
upon it. — Buffalo Express. 



J92 HISTORY OF THE 

Born a negro slave, he won freedom, distinction and wide- 
spread influence by his own efforts and his own abilities. 
Author, orator, statesman and leader of his race, he achieved 
a position and wielded an influence to which few men can 
aspire. — New York World. 

There are many distinguished and honored citizens of 
African lineage in the United States, but not one of them, 
not all of them, has done so much to advance the interests 
of this important element in American citizenship as the 
great man who died suddenly February 20, 1895, in Wash- 
ington — Brooklyn Times. 

The slave-born Fred. Douglass had a great career. He, 
became the most commanding member of his race on this 
continent. Emancipation has so far failed to evolve a rival. 
His brethren may well mourn to-day. They have lost a 
sturdy friend, one who honored his kind Peace to> his aslms ! 
— Troy Press. 

To the last Mr. Douglass showed a keen interest in the 
welfare of the colored people South as well as North. But 
he was by no means a man of one idea. His sympathy with 
the general progressive movements of the time was often 
made manifest. His presence will be missed in many a 
<'ircle. — Boston Globe. 

To New England, and particularly to Massachusetts, he 
was looked upon almost as an adopted son, for it was in the, 
Old Bay state that his first words as a defender of his race 
were spoken, and during the anti-slavery agitation he was a 
prominent and welcome figure at many of the public meet- 
ings held in this section to protest against the bondage of his 
race. — Rochester Herald. 

Frederick Douglass is not much more than a name to the 
present generation, but in the period of anti-slavery agita- 
tion the negro orator who had escaped from slavery was a 
conspicuous figure. He had a natural gift of eloquence that 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. ^93 

had been well cultivated, and that, with a picturesque ap- 
pearance and considerable earnestness, enabled him to plead 
for his race with uncommon force. — Philadelphia Times. 

No one could start in life in more forbidding and discourag- 
ing circumstances than the boy who was destined to become 
celebrated on two continents as Frederick Douglass, the 
anti-slavery orator. His denunciations of slavery had not 
only the force of conviction, but the irresistible quality de- 
rived from personal experience. American annals furnish 
no more captivating illustration of a self-mado man. — New 
York Tribune. 

Mr. Douglass was one of the closest and most cogent 
debaters of the slavery question, and a most earnest and con- 
vincing advocate. On several occasions, in Syracuse, he was 
threatened with mob violence, once or twice was rotten- 
egged by slavery apologists and negro-haters; but he in- 
variably preserved his temper, and was never provoked to 
diversion from the discussion of principle to personal contro- 
versy. — Syracuse Journal. 

Mr. Douglass was a symmetrical character, free from the 
hatred and bitterness manifested by many of the early aboli- 
tionists, strong in argument and eloquent in speech. The 
people trusted him from the first, and those who were not 
unfriendly to slavery would listen to him when they would 
not listen to white men expressing the same sentiments. His 
good sense, tact and judgment made his aggressiveness seem 
to many a sort of pathetic earnestness, and he won the re- 
spect even of those who insisted on calling themselves his 
enemies. — Chicago Tnter-Ocean. 

The lesson of Douglass' life is that of self trust and ener- 
getic action. He was a grand illustration of what a man 
may do for himself, his people and his country. "With every- 
thing against him he conquered a place for himself where he 
was looked up to, even by his former enemies. He was not. 



-j 94 HISTORY OF THE 

a weak pleader or petitioner, but a man of iniative. It 
was not because he advanced the interests of the negro that 
men will honor his memory to-day, but because, by advanc- 
ing the interst of the negro he raised the level of all man- 
hood and made the whole world better by living in it. — 
Brooklyn Eagle. 

A few years ago Frederick Douglass remarked to a friend 
that he had often thought of spending his remaining days 
in England because everywhere in the United States he wa3 
constantly reminded of the prejudice against his race. — Buf- 
falo Courier. 

His inspiration was in his experience, and his impassioned 
denunciation of the system from which he had been freed 
carried with it a convincing force against which the cooler 
expounders of the law could make little headway with those 
who felt rather than thought of the legal restraints imposed 
upon them. The great representative of his race was not al- 
ways within the pale of the law, but he was always in deadly 
earnest and always sincere. — Detroit Free Press. 

For more than half a century Mr. Douglass was a distin- 
guished leader of his race by virtue of his intellectual gifts 
and marked oratorical powers. In recent years he had fig 
ured less prominently in the field of national discussion, but 
his career, which began in slavery, was full of ripe honors 
in the later years — civil, diplomatic and literary — and fur- 
nishes a lustrous demonstration of the possibilities that un- 
fold before character and worth in this republican land with- 
out regard to the tint of a man's complexion. — Philadelphia 
Becord. 

A good many years ago he was on a lecture Jtour 5n a 
Xorthern state where the railroad companies provided sep- 
arate ("Jim Crow") cars for negroes, as is still the custom, 
we hear, in some parts of the Union, and required the ne- 
groes to ride in them if they rode at all. The rule was im- 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 195 

perative. Nevertheless Douglass, by way of protest, calm- 
ly took a seat in one of the cars reserved for white folks. A 
friendly conductor came along. He recognized his distin- 
guished looking and already famous passenger at a glance, 
and he was very reluctant to disturb him. "Indian?" he in- 
quired, with a wink and smile. "No, nigger," said Fred- 
erick Douglass. There was character in the answer. The 
man who made it would not obtain personal consideration 
and comfort at the price of a denial of his race and blood.— 
Hartford Courant. 

Frederick Douglass was the peculiar product of peculiar 
conditions, and there was an element of romance in his life 
of vicissitude which kept him clearly in the public eye long 
after his real work was done. He would hardly have at- 
tained to so prominent a position as he did in the abolitionist 
movement had he been forced to rely solely on his personal 
qualities; it was the fact of his origin and his bitter experi- 
ence in bondage that mainly won him attention and made 
him a helpful force in those days. Not that he was lacking 
in strong qualities of his own; he was a man of a degree of 
intelligence that would put to shame many whose ante- 
cedents and early opportunities were vastly better than his, 
and he had an oratorical ability of no mean order. But he 
did not find in later life any work to which he could apply 
himself quite so successfully as in earlier years to the libera- 
tion of his fellow slaves, and there was no topic on which he 
could think so clearly and talk so effectively as the wrongs of 
that bondage which he himself had suffered. It was given 
to him to perform a prominent and useful part in the toil- 
some work of arousing the public. — Providence Journal. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

HOW THE NATIONAL AFRO-AMERICAN COUNCIL 
WAS FORMED. 

August 23, 1898. 
Mr. John W. Thompson, Rochester, N. Y. : 

Esteemed Friend: I am in receipt of your communica- 
tion of the 16th instant. It found me in moderate health. 
Accept my congratulations on your great success; you have 
immortalized yourself by this wonderful achievement. Long 
may you live to perform such deeds in the interest of your 
race. You may expect my presence on the 14th of Septem- 
ber. I shall issue an order at once to the brethren to send 
in their subscriptions to me. Rest assured I will leave no 
stone unturned to collect every dollar subscribed. I had a 
conference with Friend Fortune, Durham and others about 
calling the proposed meeting at Rochester at the time of the 
unveiling. Fortune has agreed to make a call for a con- 
ference of the leaders throughout the country, to meet at 
Rochester about that time; he does not care to have a great 
meeting of the rabble, but simply twenty-five or fifty of the 
leaders of the race. I think this will add to the occasion. 
He informed me that you had requested him to call a meet- 
ing there. Watch the "Age" of next week and see what his 
decision will be (his final decision). If a call is made, notify 
me at once, at the general postoflfiec, Detroit, Mich., as I will 
be there the first week in September. I will notify the pas- 
tor at Rochester, so he can assist you in making preparations 
for the convention. You can depend upon me for any aid 
or encouragement necessary. Yours very truly, 

A. WALTERS. 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 197 

This book would not be complete without giving the 
facts connected with the formation of the Afro-American 
Council in Rochester, September 15, 1808, at the request of 
many leading Afro-American citizens from all over the coun- 
try. 

T. Thomas Fortune, president of the Afro-American 
League, called a conference of the leaders of the race and 
selected Rochester as the place of meeting, on account of 
the unveiling of the Douglass monument, which was to have 
taken place at Rochester, 1ST. Y., September 14, 1898. 

In the following letter to Bishop A. Walters, President 
Fortune selected that city as the place of meeting: 
To Bishop A. Walters, Jersey City, N. J.: 

My Dear Sir: On the 10th of March last you did me the 
honor to suggest that T issue, as president, a call for the res- 
urrection and rehabilitation of the Afro-American League, 
which was organized at Chicago, January 15, 1890, the sec- 
ond and last annual meeting of which was held at Knoxville, 
Tenn., in 1892. Since the first publication of your request 
in "The Age," March 10th last, numerous persons, to the 
number of one hundred and fifty, have joined in the request, 
and their names have been published from time to time, at- 
tached to your request, and have therefore become a part 
of it, attaching national importance to the desire for some 
organized expression of Afro-American opinion of the con- 
ditions which confront the race, and which differ but little 
from those stated by me in 1890, as a sufficient provocation 
for calling the Afro-American League at Chicago. 

I have given your request long and faithful consideration, 
and have reached the conclusion that the popular sentiment 
behind the request does not justify me in acceding to it. 
There is just as much need of the Afro- American League to- 
day as there was in 1890; there is even more need for such 
an organization: but I do not believe that the masses of the 



198 



HISTORY OF THE 



race are any more ready and willing to organize local and 
state leagues of the National League and to sustain them by 
moral and financial support than they were in 1890 and 
1892. I am therefore not willing to take the responsibility 
of undertaking the resurrection of the Afro-American 
League when the chances of effecting a permanent organiza- 
tion are so very doubtful. 

But, in deference to the desire of yourself and the persons 
who have joined you in the request, and after consultation 
with responsible men and women in all parts of the country, 
who feel with me that something of an organized nature 
should be done to stein the tide of wrong and injustice of 
which the race is made the victims, I have decided to call a 
conference at Rochester, 1ST. Y., September 15, 1898, to con- 
sider existing conditions and to take such action as may be 
wise, loyal and patriotic for the future, the conference to be 
composed of those who have joined in the request for the 
resurrection of the Afro-American League, and who shall 
determine upon the admission of such others as may appear 
at Rochester and desire to participate in the work of the 
conference. 

My excuse for calling the conference at Rochester is to 
take advantage of the race sentiment which will be invoked 
by the unveiling of a monument to Frederick Douglass, in 
Rochester, September 14th, a city in which Mr. Douglass 
spent some of the best and happiest and most fruitful years 
of his life, and one of the freest and most tolerant cities in 
the republic, whose hotels and homes and press will receive 
the conferees with open arms and generous hospitality. 

Persons desiring to attend the conference should write to 
Mr. John W. Thompson, P. O. Box 493, Rochester, N. Y., 
for railroad rates and hotel accommodations. 

Invoking the Divine blessing on the proposed conference, 
and thanking you, Bishop Walters and your co-signers, for 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. -,qq 

the honor you have done me in your request, I am, with sen- 
timents of high regard, yours truly, 

T. THOMAS FORTUNE. 

September 15th, at 10:45 o'clock promptly, Mr. T. 
Thomas Fortune opened the meeting and called upon Rev. 
Mr. Bowens, of Troy, to pronounce an invocation. J. W. 
Thompson introduced Mayor Warner in the following words: 

"I am pleased to welcome you to this important confer- 
ence. Many of you are strangers here. I take great pleas- 
ure in introducing to you Mayor George E. Warner, who 
will make you welcome to our city." 

Hon. George E. Warner said: 

"Should any one assert to-day that tin? colored people are 
not capable of becoming good citizens and enjoying the lib- 
erties a short time ago presented to them, you may answer 
by referring him to the words uttered in Fitzhugh Hall yes- 
terday, to the monument then dedicated, and to the life of 
Frederick Douglass. Not the least good done by that great 
man for his race was his demonstration of his ability to pros- 
per under good laws. 

"It is to be hoped that the time may soon arrive when 
the colored people will be able to cease their battle against 
race prejudice and concentrate all their efforts for the full 
development of all the abilities of the race. The events of 
recent years show that time is the main element required to 
make a good citizen of every colored man in the country. 
Steady improvement has been made in recent years in the 
condition of the colored people of this country, due largely 
to the increased educational facilities furnished throughout 
the United States, the records showing that there has been 
a steady increase in the number of colored people attending 
our schools and colleges. 

"Not only in the arts of peace but in those of war also, 
the colored citizen has proven his worth. It was true Amer- 



200 HISTORY OF THE 

ican honesty which gave the colored troops before Santiago 
their full share of the glory. There is not a citizen of the 
country who is not proud of their record. 

"It gives me pleasure to welcome you to our city. We 
feel honored by your selecting our city as the place for your 
conference. There are thousands of your race all over the 
Union who grace every profession and calling, and I am sure 
that a body of men more capable of dealing with questions 
of public importance it would be difficult to find. 

"We have in this city a large number of colored inhabi- 
tants, whom we esteem as worthy citizens. Our city was 
friendly to the colored race in days when that friendship was 
criminal, and she is friendly still. 

"I trust that your deliberations here will be profitable, 
and result in increased benefit to the people you represent." 

C. J. Perry, of the Philadelphia "Tribune," said: "There 
is no city I have visited where I have noted the spirit of pa- 
triotism to so great a degree. We have been charmed by 
your commercial prosperity and the dignity of your citizens. 
We expected to find these things. Rochester's name and 
fame have gone out because of her business and literary ad- 
vancements. Believe us, sir, when we say that we know full 
well something of the spirit of freedom prevailing here, the 
seed of which was sown by those some of whom are sitting 
here to-day. How proud we are to know that the people of 
this city do whatever they can to diffuse the spirit of gener- 
osity over the land. 

"It was because of this generous spirit, the president of 
the league selected Rochester as the new starting place for 
the league. Fortunately for your city, sir, you are not sat- 
isfied to rest upon glories of the past. Yesterday's dedica- 
tion added only one more link in the, chain of memories which 
have made your city great, grand and glorious. We appre- 
ciate vour words of welcome." 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. 201 

Mr. Fortune then said: "As I am responsible for the 
calling of this conference, it is fitting that I should say some- 
thing of the object of the meeting. It was a long time be- 
fore I decided to call the meeting. I do not think I shall 
have anything further to do with an organization organized 
for the benefit of the people in general unless the women 
are given a voice in its affairs." 

Miss Anthony interrupted: "I wish you could get a 
white man to say that." 

"They will have to say it ere long, Miss Anthony," replied 
Mr. Fortune. 

"I have had my experience in trying to create an organi- 
zation out of an incongruous mass. And I stand here to-day 
and say that I do not think the great mass of the colored 
people of this country is prepared for a national organiza- 
tion. Just as the Irish people were not prepared for organi- 
zation when it was attempted. 

"The poverty and ignorance of our people is against the 
plan for they have had but thirty years in which to recover 
from 250 years of bondage. We may not be able at once to 
control the mass, but if we as individuals can get together 
and devise a plan we may move the masses. Our attendance 
here to-day is affected by the fact that the monument exer- 
cises were postponed and then again taken up. 

"The race as a whole is not in condition yet to combat the 
prejudice against the race, but Bishop A. Walters, Collector 
J. C. Dancy and others here think that even a handful can 
sow the seed. I am almost persuaded that we cannot accom- 
plish our object any more than we could the abolition of slav- 
ery unless the white men and the black men, the white 
women and the black women, join the movement. 

"Three states, South Carolina, Mississippi and Louisiana, 
have disfranchised us as entirely as we were before the war. 
Alabama is to do the same thing. Where it is not done by 



202 HISTORY OF THE 

constitutional enactment, it is done by scheme and fraud. 
One half of the electoral vote of the South is disfranchised. 

"The Southern sentiment that has been carried into the 
new possessions will result in a revolution in ten years, un- 
less care is taken. If you rule the black and yellow people 
in Cuba, Porto Rico and the Philippines as the South has 
been and is being ruled, you will have revolution upon revo- 
lution and you ought to have it. 

"If you expect to lift up the South, by putting only the 
white men forward, you are going to have trouble right 
along. You have made 26,000 black teachers in the South 
and have taught our people freedom, but in the South the 
people are teaching out of text books fifty years old. You 
cannot put the two classes together without a clash. Mob 
law prevails in the South, and mob law leads to revolution. 
You are sure to have it. It is the result of injustice. 

"Take the separate car law. I ride in a Pullman car 
when I want to. If I had my way I would build a monu- 
ment to George M. Pullman so high you could not see the 
top of it. If I ever had any trouble in securing a seat in a 
Pullman car, all I needed to do was to telegraph headquar- 
ters and my seat was ready at the next station and the con- 
ductor who first refused me lost his job. Mr. Pullman died 
too soon. 

"Now on the home question. I am opposed to having dif- 
ferent marriage and divorce laws in the several states. While 
this is the case we have no high standard of morality." 

Taking up the subject of the Scotch woman who was re- 
cently detained by the immigration commissioners at New 
York because she came to America to marry a black man, 
Mr. Fortune said he demanded to know the facts and through 
his persistent efforts the woman was released and was mar- 
ried to the black man. 

"Revise your laws regarding the intermarriage of the 



DOUGLASS MONUMENT. ^03 

races," continued Mr. Fortune,"if you wish to conduce to 
morality. If a white woman falls in love with a black man 
and they are not allowed to marry they will live together 
illegally. The trouble is in your laws. Go South and you 
will see the yellow color of the people. The black man did 
not make the yellow color. Whose fault is it? Twenty- 
four states in this union have laws prohibiting the intermar- 
riage of the races. These laws should be wiped out. Surely 
we have sufficient provocation to have an association for the 
uplifting of the race." 

Upon the motion of Bishop Walters, Mr. T. T. Fortune 
was made temporary chairman. Mrs. Ida B. Wells Barnett 
was made secretary. Upon motion of Mr. J. C. Dancy a 
committee of three was appointed to ascertain the composi- 
tion of the conference. This committee consisted of Messrs. 
Dancy and Walters and Mrs. R. J. Jeffrey. The matter 
was quickly settled by asking all who wished to participate in 
the conference to come within the railing, there being no re- 
striction as to color or sex. 

Miss Susan B. Anthony made interesting remarks in behalf 
of the colored people. As she stepped to the platform where 
President Ward is accustomed to view the deliberations 
of the Common Council, she said: 

"I would like to stand at this side of the desk but I can- 
not for here is a large spittoon; and there on the other side 
is another. I wonder if when the black man is elected to 
represent his ward in the august assemblage of the city 
legislature, he will need a washtub at the side of his desk?" 

The chairman appointed the following committees: 

Organization — Bishop A. Walters, Charles R. Douglass, 
John W. Thompson, Mrs. R. J. Jeffrey, Rev. W. E. Bowen. 

Resolutions — John C. Dancy, Mrs. Rosita D. Sprague. 
C. J. Perry, Mrs. Ida Wells Barnett, F. S. Cunningham. 

At the afternoon session the committee on permanent or- 



Of, 4 HISTORY OF THE 

gauization made its report, which was adopted and Mr. T. 
Thomas Fortune, of New York, was elected president; John 

C. Dancy, North Carolina, vice-president; Mrs. Ida B. W. 
Barnett, Chicago, TIL, secretary; John W. Thompson, N. Y., 
treasurer. 

For s<»me reason Mr. Fortune resigned as president, and 
Bishop Alexander Walters was elected president, to succeed 
Mr. Fortune, who was afterwards elected chairman of the 
executive committee, which consisted of these members: J 
0. Dancy, Mrs. Ida B. W. Barnett, B. W. Arnett, J. W. 
Parker, C. J. Perry, II. T. Keating and Bishop A. Walters, 
ex-officio. 

Prominent among those present were Mrs. Helen Doug- 
lass, widow of the late Frederick Douglass, Mrs. Emily How- 
ard, Mrs. Sarah C. Blackall, Mrs. L. C. Smith, Washington, 

D. C, and Rev. Joseph Dixon, Buffalo, N. Y. 

Mrs. Frederick Douglass addressed the newly oi'ganized 
Afro-American Council, taking for her subject the Frederick 
Douglass Memorial Home. 

The conference reassembled at 2 P. M., and was called to 
order by Chairman Fortune. 

John H. Smythe, of Richmond, Va., addressed the 
chair and said he could not become a member if the confer- 
ence opposed separate schools and favored mixed marriages. 
He asked the chair to rule on his status. Mr. Fortune de- 
clared that if Mr. Smythe favored separate schools and mar- 
riages he could not be a member. The matter was put to a 
vote and the chair was not sustained, whereupon Mr. Fortune 
left the chair. The question was reconsidered, the chair's 
decision was upheld and Mr. Smythe left the meeting. 

THE END. 



JUN 12 1903 



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